For months, Michelle asked Austin to write a press release about her. He finally did it as a reminder of their engagement. See below for that release.

For Immediate Release

Friday, December 22, 2023

Georgia Department of Matchmaking Services Announces Gibbons-Baldwin Engagement

The Georgia Department of Matchmaking Services today announced the engagement of Ms. Michelle Lynn Baldwin to Mr. Austin Westbrook Gibbons. The two Gwinnett County natives made the engagement official at the Georgia State Capitol on Friday morning.

“Today is a victory for bureaucrats and self-published authors everywhere,” said Co-Commissioners Noah Ashley and Emily Bergquist. “It is further proof that 57th Fighter Group dancing parties work as a set up and that men everywhere need to stop being intrigued by women and start acting on that intrigue.”

Gibbons and Baldwin had their first date at Lake Lanier Islands on the last day of their Christmas lights display. The tickets were free, but the rides were extremely expensive. Ever the gentlemen, Gibbons chose to pay anyway because he did not want to embarrass himself.

“She seemed afraid of the rides, but I was determined to get the cost down to $20 per ride,” said Gibbons. “It was a questionable strategy, but it turned into a good-long term investment.”

Much to the couple’s surprise, they did not actually first interact at a game night. They instead first stood near each other at Gwinnett County Fifth Grade Honor Chorus at Mount Carmel Christian Church. Their mothers have photo evidence of the encounter.

“It only took him 14 years to ask me on a date,” said Baldwin. “I’m glad he did.”

Gibbons will join a family with Mr. Patrick Baldwin, Ms. Lisa Martin, and Mr. Justin Baldwin. Baldwin will join a family with Mr. Grant Gibbons and Mrs. Beth Gibbons. Both had ample reason to run, but love compelled them to stay.

“We look forward to a lifetime filled with Coke Zero, road trips, household chores, and time spent together,” said Gibbons and Baldwin. “We met while playing card games, and we are grateful for the hand God dealt by giving us each other.”

Gibbons and Baldwin ask that you join them in celebrating the beginning of a new chapter.

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