Nikolina Papic & Michael Makary

July 31, 2021

RSVP by June 30, 2021

1708 days

since we tied the knot!
To our friends and family: Welcome to our wedding website! We are beyond excited to begin our married life with you by our side! 
We have created a space that shares everything you need to know about our big day. Browse around to read our story, see our favorite engagement photos, in addition to getting all the wedding details. We hope you find it both informative and useful. In the days leading up to the wedding, please check back periodically for any updates.  
And thank you for RSVP-ing "Yes" to our big day! We are thrilled to celebrate with you! 

How We Met

On July 7, 2019, Michael and I met at a cute local restaurant. Michael was having dinner with his friends and I was celebrating a friend's birthday at the next table. The restaurant was very small with tables too close in proximity that I found myself sitting right next to Michael. Michael's friends left for the night and Michael could not leave without grabbing my attention ;). His first words to me were "Can you please watch my table while I go to the restroom?" A feeble pick-up line, no!? haha.  We started a conversation and learned that we at one time worked at the same hospital and knew some of the same people.
After that evening we occasionally kept in touch but we were never really able to see one another as I had a long trip to Croatia and then Michael had a trip to Africa. When we both returned from our summer travels, we were finally able to reconnect and have our first date on September 9, 2019, where we realized that we had a lot more in common including shared values and life goals. Michael knows I love telling our story because of that "famous" pick-up line that in fact, worked! We look forward to our next chapter and we pray for a blessed and fruitful future, God willing. 

The Proposal

I surprised Nikolina with a proposal on March 20th, 2021. That night, a small dinner with a few friends was planned to celebrate her birthday. I had asked Nikolina to meet me at my house so we could head to the dinner together. Nikolina prides herself on being on time but of course, that evening, she was running extremely late. She frantically rushed into the house to find me on one knee surrounded by flowers. Nikolina's sister Sanya was hiding in the hallway to film the whole thing. I was able to buy Nikolina one less gift by combining the two occasions  :P

Information

Accommodations

Marriott Dallas Las Colinas

223 West Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving, TX 75039

Located approximately 8 miles from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and 9 miles from Dallas Love Field Airport DAL). Situated on the Lake Carolyn waterfront, providing an ideal location with easy access to numerous area attractions. Within walking distance of the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas and the recently opened Toyota Music Factory, featuring a concert venue and popular restaurants. 
The wedding reception site, La Cima Club, is visible from the hotel and is located on the top floor of the tallest building across the lake (please see picture). It is an approximately 7-minute walk along the waterfront (although keep in mind Nikolina tends to walk fast).

Book your group rate for Makary Wedding

Courtesy block with discounted room rate is available for guests who book before June 30th, 2021.
Check-in: July 30th, 2020 | Check-out: August 1st, 2020
Rates are available pre and post-event dates per room availability.
E-mail Lauren Simonson, Sales Manager at lauren.simonson@marriottsales.com with your confirmation number and dates you want your reservation extended to.
Please let us know whether you have booked a room at this hotel by answering "yes" as part of the RSVP.

St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church

1450 E Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75081

La Cima Club

5215 North O'Connor Boulevard The Tower at Williams Square, Suite 2600 Irving, TX 75039

Rising above the world’s largest equestrian sculpture, La Cima Club is a private business and social club in Irving, Texas that occupies the 26th floor of the central tower within The Towers at Williams Square.
A complimentary valet for the reception will be available. Please arrive via W. Brune Way along the waterfront side of the building to valet your vehicle.

Wedding Party

Matron of Honor

Sanya (Papic) Hernandez

Sanya is my younger sister, only 18 months apart, but we are often asked if we are twins. This always makes us laugh as we could not be more different but also so much alike. A cute fact, Sanya has something I always wanted, blue eyes, lucky girl! She is a beautiful person inside and out, super sweet and thoughtful. We are and have been best friends since we were little. She is the one who motivated me to move to Dallas and had I said no, I would not be here writing this story. So, I have her to thank for pushing me and challenging me. This journey with Sanya has lead me here, to Michael, and to all of you!  

Best Man

Dr. Ramey Hito

I met Ramey in college after we found each other taking many of the same courses. Study buddies became lifelong friends. After hours of studying, we would reward ourselves with an often unhealthy meal. But the true reward was getting to know each other and laugh together. I was honored to be Ramey's best man at the marriage to his wonderful wife. We both left Dallas to pursue further training but returned home years later at almost the very same time. Even though we may go a while without talking, we can always pick up right where we left off. One of the most sincere men you will ever meet.

Bridesmaid

Sanda Cosic

Sanda is my older sister and my "second mom". She is someone I look up to and have tremendous respect for. She has always been the one to go above and beyond for our family. She is an extremely caring and giving person with the biggest and most humble heart. Her good deeds don't end there, she is also intelligent, resourceful,  and ambitious. I have never seen somebody make something out of nothing. Wait till you meet her! :)

Groomsman

Dr. Joe Khalil

Joe has been a friend since childhood and we have grown closer with each passing year. Coincidentally, Joe would end up sharing an office with Ramey. Joe is always thinking about helping others but always made me feel like I was on the top of his list. He gets along with everyone and somehow manages to bring people together. 

Bridesmaid

Kristina Kozina

Kristina, my rosy cheeks! She is my niece but she also calls me her "second mom" because we have been very close since she was a baby and I just get a bit overprotective of her. She will tell you that I also tend to lecture her too much haha.  Kristina has the most tender heart and always radiates happy energy. Just wait and see, she never stops smiling :)

Groomsman

Nikola Papic

Nikola is Nikolina's older brother. He has been a father figure to Nikolina after their father died in war when she was 9 years old. I know that she is very appreciative of the sacrifices he has made over the years to help take care of her. He was the first in Nikolina's family to know of my plans to ask Nikolina to marry me as Nikolina's mother was in Croatia at the time. I am blessed to call him a brother. Looking forward to sharing many meals together.

Bridesmaid

Mary Scher

Mary is Michael's sister and someone Michael has always spoken highly of, with the utmost respect and love.  It warms my heart that Michael has a close relationship with his sister as this is something I value dearly. I have gotten to know Mary virtually and she has already stolen my heart. She could not be more supportive and sweet and welcoming. I am blessed to call Mary my sister now and could not be happier to add another one to the club. More sisters mean more fun! 
Why can't Michael be more like Mary?  Haha, a little inside joke ;)

Groomsman

Josip Papic

Josip is Nikolina's younger brother. I am twice blessed to have him be the brother I never had. Within the short time I have gotten to know Josip, it became clear that he is a very gentle, kind, and humble person.

Schedule

Day Before the Wedding

Wedding Rehearsal

5:00pm

The wedding rehearsal will take place at St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church. The wedding party and parents are asked to attend. 

Day of the Wedding

Crowning Ceremony

3:30pm

St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church

Day of the Wedding

Reception

6:00pm

La Cima Club
Cocktail hour: 6pm - 7pm
Reception doors open: 7pm
Dinner: 7:30pm

Registry

Please know that your presence at our wedding is present enough! However, for friends and family who have been asking for gift ideas, we’ve created an online registry for the items we’d find the most useful as we prepare for married life.

Williams-Sonoma

View registry

Pottery Barn

View registry

Special Thanks

A special thanks to Fr. (Abouna) Boulos Mikhael for all he has done to guide us spiritually to this holy sacrament.