It was love at first sight when Michael laid eyes on Alexa on the flight from Newark to Aruba! It was just a normal family vacation for the Appel Family, but this year another family was invited to join in on the fun (thanks Gwen!). That family was the Smiths! Michael kept his feelings a secret from Alexa for quite some time...

After dating for a couple of months, Michael started off the new year by officially asking Alexa to be his girlfriend! Spoiler alert... she said yes!

After accepting a new job at Bank of America, Michael was relocated to Charlotte, NC. The long distance would definitely be a challenge, but they were up for it!

After two years of many, many visits to Charlotte, Alexa saw this place as her second home. She might have even liked it more than Michael did! So, they bought some dirt!

Alexa officially became a southern gal! Their new life in a new home in a new state together had begun (and so did Alexa's "trial period", as Michael liked to call it)

The day we were all waiting for...after a long 8 years...Michael asked, and she said yes! It was the most magical day celebrating the most special moment.

As if planning a wedding wasn't stressful enough...they bought a new house! They are so excited for this next chapter of their lives together in their new home!