It all started with Grace liking a picture from Mike's dating profile. She waited patiently for him to respond after a week. He finally responded and said hi. We got talking and after a day or two Mike asked Grace out for that weekend. She responded she was in Chicago for her nieces baptism that weekend. Mike got nervous because Grace didn't necessarily say no to the date, but didn't say yes either! We kept talking and Mike, luckily, asked Grace out again and she said yes! Our first date was January 28, 2023 at Tre Portillos in Fairlawn. We decided to meet halfway between Medina and Stow for lunch. We met at 1:00 and ended up staying until almost 4:00 enjoying some great food and conversation. Mike realized what time it was and that he was going to have to get home to let Ace out. He was a gentleman and walked me to my car and we both agreed we would love to see each other again. Poor Mike- we started dating and soon after was Grace's birthday and Valentine's day! He surprised Grace with some small, sweet and thoughtful gifts. Around this time we both knew we really liked each other. Month after month we enjoyed our time together and focused on getting to know each other better. By the time late summer came, we knew we had found "the one" in each other! We continued to get to know each other and praying the Lord would continue to prepare us on our journey to engagement and marriage.

January 21, 2024 Mike had many hands work hard behind the scenes to pull off an amazing surprise! We had brunch together that morning thinking we wouldn't see each other the rest of the day as Grace was on duty to help set up for the Life Night at St. Mary. 4:00 rolled around and Grace was focused on set up but given a task to go upstairs and get some candles from the church with fellow core member April. The side door to the church opened and Grace saw Mike and stopped in her tracks and said "What are you doing here?" Mike had to prompt Grace to walk over, he said some beautiful words, got down on one knee and said "Grace Marian, will you marry me?" Of course Grace quickly said YES! Mike had a photographer to take some pictures after and capture the joy. The celebrations continued with family showing up after, mass together, and both families having dinner together. All glory to God for bringing us together! We are so blessed! We can't wait to be husband and wife surrounded by our family and friends!