Anna, a force of nature with an earnest enthusiasm for life, found herself both intrigued and slightly overwhelmed by Michael on their first date at a Durham cocktail lounge. His exuberant energy matched her own, but he seemed to have a story for every story, an opinion for every opinion. Yet, beneath the initial impression of a personality that threatened to eclipse hers, she sensed a genuine warmth and excitement that was… captivating.

Michael, also a strong personality, went on this first date with a different perspective than his past, oh so tragic, dating history and behavior. He found himself genuinely surprised at how easy it was to be his unfiltered self around Anna—even for a first date. Although, this may have been a little too much for Anna’s first dose of Michael and his opinions. Michael knew right away that something was special about Anna that could never be eclipsed.

The date, became a whirlwind tour of Durham, a testament to their shared desire to pack as much life as possible into every moment. Starting at the bowling alley, where Michael's competitive spirit and bowling skill was revealed, they quickly transitioned to Queeny's for late-night fried pickles. A chance encounter with local trumpet legend Al Strong led them to Kingfisher for a spontaneous, late-night jazz set.

How was she doing everything Michael liked to do without asking? Michael was sure that there was more to Anna than just special, and he could see her remarkable qualities. He was smitten from this point on.

This pattern of bouncing from one vibrant experience to the next became their signature, a way of life that suited their shared energy perfectly.

Their dogs, Nellie, Anna's neurotic terrier mix, convinced she was the rightful ruler of the household, grumbled and side-eyed Chloe. Michael’s serene black lab mix Chloe, an angel in fur, patiently tolerated Nellie’s frantic energy and constant demands for attention. Despite the canine chaos, Anna and Michael's connection deepened. Four months flew by in a blur of shared jokes, passionate debates, and a growing, undeniable love, but they reassured their friends they were “taking it slow.”

Their friends, initially concerned about the speed of their relationship and the volume of their conversations, raised eyebrows. And as they navigated the next nine months, their friends began to see what they already knew: this was a true love story, a beautiful, messy, perfect storm of shared excitement.

From satisfying late-night cravings to assembling baby furniture, Michael handled every "super-dad-in-training" task with a touch of showmanship. Their cozy house in Durham was a haven surrounded by nature, the scent of freshly brewed coffee from Rick’s Roast, and the constant hum of their excited chatter.

Four baby showers, brimming with love and support, cemented their place in their community.

Azi was living proof of their love, a tiny, giggling testament to their whirlwind, high-volume romance. The first year of Azi's life flew by, a blur of sleepless nights, joyful milestones, and a love that only deepened.

Michael diligently maintained their well-being, and Anna lovingly designed a home reflecting their shared love of nature and community. Even with a newborn, they decided to add wedding planning to their busy lives.

Their initial plan for a small backyard wedding quickly spiraled into something much larger. The sheer number of people they loved – friends, family, neighbors, community members – demanded a celebration worthy of their love. They envisioned a weekend-long extravaganza, a celebration of their love and the community that had embraced them, and a way to show off their incredible story.

They planned a weekend in Durham filled with baseball, yummy food, endless cups of coffee, cocktail sipping, dancing under the stars and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

They wanted to welcome everyone into their city and their home, to share the joy that had blossomed from a hesitant first date into a love that filled every corner of their lives.