Our story began as many do…what makes ours a page-turner is what follows.

How Did We Meet?

The twist of fate occurred when Michael went on the hunt for a house in October of 2020. Through the home-buying process, he was randomly connected with a local Real Estate Agent, Debbie – who would turn out to have contacts in both the housing market and dating market. Debbie waited patiently for him to settle in to his new house with his two sons, Leo and Jesse, before calling him one fateful afternoon to make an introduction. She gave him the number of one of her clients, who also happened to be her daughter, Kristen. Luckily, even though Kristen responded with a resounding “No” when Debbie asked to give her number to a stranger/client, Kristen still responded to Michael’s first text.

Their first date was planned to be a no pressure, Sunday afternoon coffee date, where either one of them could have an easy way out. As life… and COVID… would have it, after three unsuccessful attempts at finding a quick place to grab a coffee, they ended up settling for lunch at a sit-down restaurant. Though they were anxious thinking about how they would carry on conversation, three hours later they left wishing the date hadn’t ended so soon. From the moment they removed their masks the spark was ignited, and love took care of the rest.

There was something extra in Michael’s step in the days that followed, especially noticeable by his Mother and Father, Tammie and Jeff, who could see a difference in his smile when he spoke about Kristen. There was something special in the air.

However, this feeling was not noticed by Kristen, who waited several days after the first date before getting a response from Michael.

Meeting the Family

The first date was followed by Kristen meeting Leo and Jesse. They were introduced at the Fun-Dome roller skating rink where they skated and played arcade games for hours. From their first time meeting, to bottle flipping contests, living room volleyball games and countless movie nights, the relationship between Kristen and the boys sprouted into a beautiful love story all of its own. Their nighttime routines went from simple “Goodnights” and “I love you’s” to half hour medleys of countless Taylor Swift lullabies. Leo and Jesse experienced many firsts with Kristen, from their first plane rides, to first times at the beach, first days of school, to first fights over homework, all of which served to strengthen their bond. And now they cannot imagine a world without each other.

The Engagement Ring Story

How do you pick the perfect ring? You get help. Luckily, Michael had Leo. Michael and Leo went to three different jewelers over the span of a weekend, under the guise that they were “shoe shopping”. It’s a good thing that they normally take longer than usual to buy shoes, otherwise that story would not have been believable. But it worked and Kristen had no idea. Michael and Leo picked out the perfect ring and Leo kept the secret for 6 months until the proposal. And Kristen still can’t stop staring at it.

The Proposal Story

Let’s fast forward to over two years later. On June 26th, 2023, Michael proposed in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on vacation with Kristen’s family. It was on the balcony of the cabin they were all staying in, during an evening sunset. With all eleven family members staring conspicuously through the window, Michael dropped to one knee and asked for Kristen’s hand. The moment will never be forgotten.

This led us to where we all are today. We can’t wait to celebrate our love with all of you. Thank you for being a part of our story!

Q + A coming soon!