We met in April of 2015 during our lunch period at Vermilion High School. Alayna was in 8th grade age 14. Michael was in 10th grade age 15.

Alayna - I remember this boy sitting at my lunch table. I thought he was uninvited and wanted him to leave. However, when I asked him what he was doing there he was so witty and goofy. He was the most interesting person I've ever met. Still is too! Michael - At first I thought she was standoffish. However, I was quickly corrected. She is the most down-to-earth, kind, humble, dedicated, and driven person I've ever met!

Our first date was May 18th, 2015. We walked around Vermilion stopping at all of the shops just to spend more time together.

Michael proposed to Alayna on the pier in Vermilion Ohio on May 18th, 2019. Alayna - I still remember the screams and hoots from the passing boats as Mike got down on one knee. Michael - It was a formality. We talked about our future for years before I popped the question. In fact, I don't think there was a time since we were quite young that we weren't fully confident we would be together for the rest of our lives.

Alayna - I am always up for an adventure somewhere new and to try new things. However, I love a night of just being together. It doesn't matter what we're doing as long as we face it together. Michael - I love our dates when we go out to new restaurants and catch a movie.

Alayna - I've always wanted to help people. I'm currently a social worker and I love my position at Ohio Guidestone. Being able to help someone every day is my life's work. Michael - Rule number one is to support me and mine. However, outside of that, I want to do something I love. That would be making things that I find beautiful. From my art to landscaping, I try to find a deep satisfaction in my work.

There are so many it's hard to choose. If I had to pick a favorite it would be Christmas of 2016. Michael and I were still getting our footing as individuals and a couple. It was a confusing and exciting time. Michael wrote me these beautiful cards that I still treasure today. At that moment I knew I loved him and wanted to spend my life with him.

We were helping out with cleaning after my sister's wedding and Alayna was extremely giddy with excitement after the night's festivities. There was a moment when we looked deep into each other's eyes, grinning ear to ear, and it was the first time that I thought about our future together in great depth. Clearly, I was deeply optimistic.