The Love Department

Let's get married! Join host Nik Lockhart, former matchmaker and writer on her journey down the aisle. This season we're exploring all things weddings, proposals, and (of course) the nature of love.Support the showVisit us at www.love-department.com. We'd love to connect with you.  Xoxo

Introducing THE LOVE DEPARTMENT. The heartwarming interview podcast exploring the nature of love and relationships.  Hosted by Nik Lockhart, former matchmaker, writer and philanthropist, this show talks candidly about what love has taught us and all the ways we put love into daily practice.Support the showVisit us at www.love-department.com. We'd love to connect with you.  Xoxo

Support the showVisit us at www.love-department.com. We'd love to connect with you.  Xoxo

Gather around for another episode of The Heart Line. That's right, we opened our advice mailbox twice this season for our listeners. In this episode, we talk about going solo to a wedding, whether you need to ask your parents' permission to get engaged, and if registering for gifts is out-of-date or still a must-have for your wedding.Support the showVisit us at www.love-department.com. We'd love to connect with you.  Xoxo

From their kindergarten class photo, to a grilled cheese proposal, to becoming accidental entrepreneurs, Abby & Jay's love story is one for the books. In this episode of The Love Department, host Nik Lockhart continues to explore season two’s wedding theme by welcoming childhood sweethearts turned wedding venue owners, Abby and Jay.Abby and Jay share their incredible lifelong journey, which began when they were paired up next to each other in a kindergarten class photo. After moving away, reconnecting this "girl next door" and the "boy next door," were pulled back together.These hometown heroes have always prioritized comfort, family, and authenticity.Today, they are the proud owners of Maple Shade Farm—a historic 213-acre estate in their rural hometown of Delhi, New York. They discuss how a dormant 1800s farm organically evolved into a bustling business that has fueled their creative passions, boosted their local economy, and strengthened their bond as a couple who works together.Check out their stunning wedding venue Maple Shade Farm: www.mapleshadefarmny.com/Support the showVisit us at www.love-department.com. We'd love to connect with you.  Xoxo

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Michael (also known as Misha) and Mario, whose love story began when they went clubbing on Halloween. After just six months of dating, Misha proposed, and now, after a two-year engagement, the couple is planning their wedding for 2026. They have a three decade age gap and their story is one for the ages.It’s a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, and insights on love in all its forms. We cover:The challenges and joys of dating in middle ageNavigating coming out and finding acceptance with parentsWhy a quick proposal can lead to a lasting engagementThe power of traditional weddings and vowsReferenced in this episode:"Vows: The Modern Genius of an Ancient Rite" book by Cheryl Mendelsen"The Last Of Us: Season 1 Episode 3" "Meaning of Marriage" by Timothy Keller & Kathy KellerSupport the showVisit us at www.love-department.com. We'd love to connect with you.  Xoxo

On this episode we open up the inbox on our HeartLine to share with you. Hear from The Love Department listeners who discuss “What if I don't want this person at our Wedding?” “Changing our Lastname” and “Group Projects in College” “TV Shows for Couples to watch Together” and “Dating with Patience” Support the showVisit us at www.love-department.com. We'd love to connect with you.  Xoxo

Imagine having three weddings to the same person. Luckily these two said I do on every occasion. Tracy and Eddy met when they were just fresh faced immigrants to New York City. When Tracy moved in to an apartment with Eddy and two other guys, it was the last thing on her mind that she would end up meeting the love of her life. But as the song goes they were going down swinging and it took just two weeks to make the jump from roommates to lovers.In this episode we talk about getting married in Las Vegas while enjoying a emo music festival with their close friends, custom designing a wedding dress and engagement ring that tells a story, friends who are more like family, and how to navigate the mishaps of wedding planning. Thinking of doing a destination wedding? Hear how Tracy and Eddy scouted their venues, transported their friends and family, and worked with vendors they loved to curate a gorgeous three day soiree in the south of France.Support the showVisit us at www.love-department.com. We'd love to connect with you.  Xoxo

Before you say "I Do..." you might want to consider all the legal maters that go into merging lives with another person. Did you know that pets can be written into your pre-nuptial agreement? Joining us on today's episode are Morgan and Shari, also known as the Bride Lawyers. This mother-daughter duo help couples navigate the tricky ins and outs of marital law. In this episode we discuss what really happens when you change your name, how to disclose financial and personal assets, and how to talk to a reluctant partner about getting a prenup.Support the showVisit us at www.love-department.com. We'd love to connect with you.  Xoxo

Planning a proposal soon? Join us on this episode of The Love Department where Nik Lockhart sits down with Kerry Lynn owner and designer of Love Locked, a jewelry boutique located in Jersey City. Things get sparkly with these two, as they talk about sustainable gemstones, how much to spend on a wedding ring, proposal alternatives to a ring, how to keep your proposal a surprise, and just how to create a custom piece that your one-of-a-kind lover will adore for years to come. We also talk about what to do with that heirloom jewel and how you can fashion something "new" out of something "old".Support the showVisit us at www.love-department.com. We'd love to connect with you.  Xoxo