Michelle and James attended a protest, separately, in Queens Park in May of 2021, they didn't know it at the time but that day would bring them together in a way they would have never imagined. After Michelle commented on one of James' pictures, he messaged her directly and that is where their story began! It didn’t take long for them to realize that they shared many of the same values, interests and hobbies, the conversations were so easy and came so effortlessly. On their first date, Michelle drove to St. Catharines to meet James, where they then went out to Chile & Agave for lunch, one of his favourite places which also eventually became one of hers. It wasn’t long after this date that James moved from his apartment into a house. Michelle’s sense of style and fashion shown through while James was establishing his new home.

In June of 2022, Michelle and James began living together. They both enjoy the outdoors, going for long and peaceful hikes, spending time at the family cottage, fishing and going on long walks along the canal near their home. It was during this time when they decided to get their first pet together. While at first, they considered a Samoyed, they realized that their work schedules were not ideal for a dog, but they would work for a cat. Michelle was severely allergic growing up but with the help of naturopathic medicine and supplements, her allergies became very minimal to non-existent. In December of 2022, Michelle and James brought home a ragdoll kitten and named him Harry, he became the first member of their family.

Michelle's passion for travelling and adventure brushed off onto James and it was finally time for him to renew his passport, after 10 years of it being expired! In June of 2023, they took their first flight together and spent a week in Alberta, where they hiked, explored and grew even closer in their relationship. They celebrated their second anniversary at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. They also took day trips to upstate New York and found some unique places that they still visit from time to time, these places hold a special memory in their hearts. During the year, James and Michelle could see that Harry was feeling a bit lonely, especially when they would get home from work late, they knew he needed a companion, a half-brother perhaps. The couple decided they would wait until Harry turned 2, but God had other plans. Michelle was just browsing the breeder's website and realized that Harry's biological father, Mango (an adorable flame point ragdoll) had his final litter of kittens and had just been neutered, but there was one male left in the litter and he had not been claimed yet. In December of 2023, just before Christmas and a year earlier than they had originally planned, James and Michelle went to the breeder and brought home a half brother for Harry, they named him Phillip and he became the second member of their family.

James knew that 2024 would be the year he proposed to Michelle. He made plans to meet with Michelle's family to ask for their blessing. After receiving the blessing from her family, James began ring shopping with Michelle's mother, Iwona. Michelle made it known to James that when the time came, he wanted him to go with her mother as she knew it would be a special moment for them, and Iwona also knew her daughter's style very well. On May 5, 2024, James brought Michelle to the canal that they often took walks along, got down on one knee and proposed to her. The proposal was such a surprise and with tears in her eyes, Michelle answered “yes”. Less than a month later, they went on a 2-week vacation to Cyprus that had been planned prior to the engagement. Having this time together was the most perfect opportunity to celebrate their engagement and to cherish all of the moments before the planning officially started. This was the most remarkable trip of both their lives and they will always keep the adventures, laughter and memories close.

In September 2024, the couple hosted their engagement party at Michelle's work, Culinaria. They had family and friends from both families attend, there was such a loving and lively atmosphere, with amazing food and drink that was enjoyed by all. It is now early 2025 when this website is being created but Spring 2025 when the guests will be able to see, they are in the thick of wedding planning and are so excited to share all of their special ideas and moments with you all, September will be here before we know it and we welcome it with open hearts and arms.

We are so thankful for all of the support you have shown us and are looking forward to celebrating with you all in September! We are so grateful for the memories we have shared together between family and friends so far and are looking forward to creating many more.

With love,

James and Michelle