We’ve known each other since high school—Annie even used to ask Michael for his math homework answers. Though our friend groups overlapped frequently, our friendship was very peripheral.

Two years after graduating, we reconnected at our friends Erin and Bo’s Christmas party—and everything changed. Annie left that night wondering “what if” and told Erin how excited she was to see Michael at the upcoming New Year’s Eve party. But fate had other plans and Michael was home sick with the flu, so Annie rang in the new year kiss-less.

With a few gentle nudges from friends, Michael finally made his move. On April 24th, over Chipotle (where he reminded Annie that guac was extra), we made it official. Michael also confessed that, in his mind, she had already been his girlfriend for months.

Just before our first anniversary, Annie’s dad passed away unexpectedly. It was during that time that Annie knew, without question, she had chosen someone who would love and take care of her for the rest of her life.

Now, after six years that have flown by—filled with laughter, adventures, two cats, a dog, and countless memories—we are so excited to begin the next chapter of our story together. The rest, as they say, is history… and the best is yet to come!