It was like at first sight. The light was green and we said let's go! The rest begins our history and likely the last selfie Jim would ever take! (First date: August 29, 2020).

Meeting in late August and having our first date in late September, little did Jim know Mike was such a Halloween fan. This was our first of many costumes to come.

Early in, Mike shared he was a self-proclaimed Christmas enthusiast. Mike actually said "I'm a Christmas freak". Jim smiled politely and then learns the deep dark reality - Mike wasn't lying.

Spending 21 years in White Eagle Country Club, Mike, Andrew, Megan and Carter made wonderful life-long friends, including Andrew meeting his girlfriend Sam in 8th grade! Over those years, Mike went out for dinner many nights on his own. This picture was the first night Jim was introduced to this crew that literally never sleeps (except Colleen - thankfully!). At dinner, Mike asked Jim "Do you want to split a salad?" The ladies were delighted Mike had found someone to share a salad with. Mike and Jim have been sharing salads ever since...

The whole family headed to Jackson Hole Wyoming for a ski weekend to celebrate the New Year (and Andrew's birthday). This was the first of many trips we would take...

Jim asks Mike to come to Fort Myers, Florida for a St. Patrick's Day celebration that is unlike many others. Mike, being an almost native Chicagoan, rolled his eyes and begrudgingly went along. Mike had a great time with Jim's Mom and family which added another tradition to our list.

While making the rounds of meeting friends after we were getting serious, Mike had to introduce Jim to several groups. This group of friends came through Andrew's grade school and high school friends - who we also love! A few people are missing from this photo, but this group focuses on getting together at least once a year to celebrate life, friendship, love.

The almost annual 4th of July tradition began at Mike's beloved Paw Paw Lake. A crew of Naperville friends invaded our quiet little sanctuary for a weekend of fun!

On January 31, 2023, Mike officially retired after an incredibly successful career at Kirkland & Ellis. Mike had struck his retirement deal before Jim and Mike met. Mike transitioned into retirement very easily. As Jim often says, "Retirement isn't for everyone, but it sure is for Mike!" Retirement allowed much more flexibility for Mike and Jim to spend more time together and solidify their relationship. This also gave Mike time to enjoy his final years in Naperville while enjoying Carter and Megan's senior years of college with several fun-filled and memorable activities.

Jim accomplished a big goal of finding the right boat to enjoy the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Having the boat has provided some amazing cruises along the lakeshore with several gorgeous sunsets!

Mike bravely agreed to a trip with some of Jim's family on an incredible riverboat cruise.

Jim joined the board of the SCA supporting an important mission to build community and connections through the arts. This opened the door for us to meet countless incredible people who are becoming wonderful friends!

It was in our early days, we celebrated Andrew's graduation from the U of Georgia. Soon enough, we celebrated Carter graduating from the U of Arizona and Megan graduating from the U of Iowa. Recently, the whole family came together to celebrate Carter's graduation with his Master's degree from Northwestern. We are excited to see where the future will take these talented treasures.

This picture highlights one of our many fun days or nights at Wrigley Field. Ok, maybe some freezing cold and rainy nights too - One day it actually snowed. But, we were there cheering on Mike's beloved Chicago Cubs!

Soon after getting the house, Jim asks Mike to marry him. It took him two years to say yes. (Not really, he said yes, but it was two more years until we made it official!)

This photo could be one of many. We've been so blessed to have the support of our family and friends who have welcomed Mike or Jim and treated us like lifelong friends. It has been especially fun to have friends meet with family all over the world. Here we are at a Biergarten in Munich where Jim's cousin Emily runs into our friend Chris from Saugatuck and a great day begins!!!

Sadly, both of Mike's parents have passed away since we have met. We will remember them on our special day like we do everyday knowing they are celebrating with us.

After a little more than a year of waiting, our dream house is ready! We feel incredibly fortunate to live in this incredible community.

We were days into the house, but the beauty and beaches of Cannes were calling us. Long-time traveling buddies (and dear friends) of Jim's, Marsha and Darren, always make the adventures better!

Jim introduces Mike to one of his favorite places - Key West. Thankfully, Mike saw the beauty of island living and the incredible food, fun, sunsets, pickleball, and great people scene! Dear friends, Vicky Cobb and Garn Lewis, pictured, make Key West even greater!

On January 31, 2024, Jim retired from full-time work. For the first couple months, he worked part-time and came to the conclusion retirement is the way to go! Jim continues to do a few speeches here or there.

This mindset has come as a surprise to just about everyone, and Mike is very happy about this epiphany. It is giving us much more time to play, enjoy Saugatuck, and travel. Life is great!!!

Saugatuck/Douglas is a supportive affirming community. Mike aims to support and ensure our community remains a pillar of the national LGBTQ+ community by joining the Pride board.

Jim's mom surprises everyone by asking to come to Saugatuck for the summer. She only stayed 6 glorious weeks, but we loved every second. Char came back for a second year, and is coming back for a third, so she must have seen what we love about Saugatuck - or - maybe summer in Florida is just too darn hot. Regardless, we are delighted to have her for another summer of fun!

In December of 2024, the family traveled to Maui. We had an epic week that concluded with Mike officially asking Jim to get married. (Jim said yes immediately - and didn't wait!)

Much to Jim's dismay, he turned 60 in September. A celebration that brought together Jim's college buddies with his newest friends from Saugatuck/Douglas. It made a weekend to remember. A highlight was the Northern Michigan crew doing the allegator. Get ready everyone, Jim and Mike want to see everyone doing it again at the wedding.

In December of 2025, oldest son Andrew asked his longtime girlfriend Sam to marry him in Golden Gate Park. Almost everyone from both families flew out to surprise Sam. It was an absolutely joyful weekend filled with love, laughter, and excitement for their next chapter. No date set yet, but hoping for a 2027 celebration of their love.

Mike's very dear friends Laura and Andres had the most amazing wedding in Buenos Aires Argentina. It was an all night affair - literally! Thanks to Laura and Andres (and an invite to cruise Antarctica), we decided to stay and explore Buenos Aires and then spend Christmas in Punta del Este Uruguay. Despite being away from family and missing them terribly for Christmas, the trip was truly a once in a lifetime experience!

Completely by chance, wedding officiants and dear friends, Garn and Vicky, asked us to join them on a Viking Cruise to Antarctica that was scheduled to occur 10 days after the wedding in South America. The cruise meeting place was in Buenos Aires - what are the odds?!? Once again, fate seemed to tell us where we needed to be, and Mike and Jim booked their tickets. There are no words to fully describe the beauty, majesty, and splendor of those 12 days. We were so fortunate to have Lori, Karen, Barbara, and Pam join in the fun. Truly every day was magical, exploring a region of our world that needs to be preserved and treasured.

Chris Arico said "Let's have a bachelor party!" Jim begrudgingly said yes and of course Mike immediately said "Let's Go!". In the end, 21 people joined us in Palm Springs for a gay ole time highlighted by the highest energy drag brunch - ever. We had a blast and loved connecting friends who became friends with others. This also made it all seem real - we are getting married in 76 days!

P.S. There was not whole group picture - likely helpful from a police surveillance perspective :)

Hard to know what will be next in our story. We plan to explore our world, enjoy time with family and friends, and spend quality time at home in our "love shack" and spectacular community. For each of you celebrating with us, know we are grateful, feel your love, and excited to share the many chapters ahead. Stay tuned....