How an Espresso Martini Led Me to the Love of My Life

If you don’t know the story of how my fiancé Nick and I met, you’re probably wondering why this is making an appearance on a cocktail review website. Fair question. But the truth is, espresso martinis are quite literally the reason our paths crossed. Without them, I wouldn’t be about to marry the love of my life.

So yes — this is a love story. But it’s also a reminder that sometimes the things we pursue for fun, passion, or even curiosity end up shaping our entire future.

Let me take you back to June 2023: the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.

Do I have any particular interest in movies? Not really. So naturally you might be wondering how I ended up at the premiere — and afterparty — of a hit drama featuring celebrities like John Malkovich, Halle Bailey, Angus Cloud, Alex Wolff, and more.

To understand that, we need to rewind even further.

The Martini That Started It All

Back in college, when I turned 21, I started my Instagram as a creative outlet to rate and review restaurants in my area and connect with people who loved dining out as much as I did. I had no grand plan — just a genuine passion for food, drinks, and experiences.

Eventually, that little Instagram page caught the attention of a canned espresso martini startup called Tribini (major shoutout to them). What began as an internship quickly turned into my first “big girl” sales role.

Picture this: me, walking into bars, restaurants, and liquor stores with a cooler backpack, confidently pitching canned espresso martinis. Was it intimidating? Absolutely. Did I love it? Even more. And I still do it today (with scoreboards- that's a story for another time).

Looking back now, it’s wild to realize that my martini Instagram didn’t just lead me to my career today — it led me to my fiancé.

Connecting the Dots

Here’s where things start to align in a way that feels almost too perfect to be random.

Our CEO at the time had previously been the executive producer of a film called The Line (now on Hulu — highly recommend). Naturally, our Tribini team decided to sponsor the afterparty for its Tribeca premiere.

Free espresso martinis and a movie premiere? I was obviously in.

Fast forward to June.

I watched the film, headed to the afterparty, and according to Nick, made it my mission to introduce myself to just about every actor in the room — with him apparently being last on my list.

(His version of the story. Not mine.)

After many espresso martinis and plenty of laughter — and after being “rejected by every other actor” (kidding… mostly) — I met Nick.

And we just clicked.

Within minutes, we realized something crazy: this South Carolina boy had deep family ties to the same area of Philly where I grew up. His dad even went to my rival high school.

We didn’t leave each other’s sides the entire night.

I got his number, drove back to Philly the next morning, and we kept texting — but if I’m being honest, I assumed it was just a great story for the plot to gossip about with my girls. How were a Charleston guy and a Philly girl, still finishing college, actually going to reconnect?

The Text That Changed Everything

Later that very week, Nick was back in NYC for another screening.

So I sent a flirty little text:

"That’s only a two-hour train ride."

Two hours later… he was at my apartment. And just like that — the rest is history.

More Than Just a Cocktail

Espresso martinis have been the unexpected source of so many connections in my life — friendships, career opportunities, unforgettable nights… and ultimately, my future husband.

It would’ve been easy to talk myself out of going to that premiere.

Easy to skip the afterparty.

Easy to worry about what people might think.

Easy not to send that text.

But here’s the thing I want you to take away from this story:

Go with your gut.

Do the thing.

Send the text.

Start the page.

Order the martini.

Don’t let fear, opinions, or overthinking stop you from leaning into the moments that feel exciting — even if they don’t make perfect sense at the time.

You truly never know who you’re about to meet… or how one small decision might change the entire trajectory of your life.

So yes — on this page you’ll still find cocktail reviews, restaurant recs, and all things martini.

But every now and then, you’ll also get a reminder that behind every drink is a story.

And this one? This one is my favorite.

Cheers to trusting your gut — and to the espresso martini that started it all. 🥂