We matched on Hinge in May of 2023, which just goes to show that sometimes swiping right does change your life. Our first date was June 3, 2023, at Uptown Grille in Commerce, Michigan. We arrived around 7 p.m. and somehow stayed for six hours talking, laughing, storytelling, and enjoying many rounds of Pinot Grigio and Coronas. At about 1 a.m., Blake—being the gentleman he is—decided to make sure Blaire could pass a “sobriety test” before driving home. (This included many stupid questions from a episode of cops and walking in a straight line in the parking lot. Shockingly, Blaire passed.) The real goal? A kiss. Mission accomplished. Our second date on June 17, 2023, set the tone for Blake’s commitment early on. After running a route in Columbus, Ohio, driving back to Michigan, and helping his buddy Zack move into the Northville house, Blake still invited Blaire over for dinner. He cooked pasta with chicken, poured white wine into his mom’s nicest long-stem glasses, and almost convinced Blaire to stay the night. Almost. July 4, 2023, was a big one. Blake met Blaire’s parents, sister, and brother on Cass Lake—on the most chaotic lake day of the year, with alcohol very much involved. Sink or swim? Blake swam. Two days later, on July 6, 2023, Blake showed up with a bottle of wine and a dozen roses and officially asked Blaire to be his girlfriend. She said yes (obviously). The months that followed were filled with meeting friends, meeting more family, trips, holidays, and Blaire slowly but confidently moving herself into the Northville house. On June 1, 2024, Blaire and Blake—along with Josh, Mel, and just Jaxson at the time—bought and moved into their home in Waterford. Then came more trips, more boat rides, more weddings, more memories, Blaire turning 30, and a very special summer trip planned by Blake. On June 5, 2025, Blake proposed to Blaire in Traverse City at a beautiful winery, surrounded by family, friends, and several strangers who got an unexpected engagement show. Now, as we get closer to October 24, 2026, we can’t begin to explain how thankful we are for all of you. You’ve been there through the laughs, the chaos, the milestones, and everything in between. Thank you for celebrating us—whether at our wedding, our shower, with a gift, or by simply being part of our lives. We can’t wait to celebrate with you. XO, Blake & Blaire 🥂