Michael got the text the ring was ready one day summer 2023. Michael figured he would pick it up the following day after a volleyball tournament with some coworkers, but Michael's plans changed dramatically when he tore his Achilles in the middle of the first game.

Now on crutches and unable to get down on one knee safely, Michael had to get creative. As Laurel was helping him rest after surgery, she was playing the latest Pokémon game looking for extremely rare, different colored monsters called shiny Pokémon. Michael was able to sneak a peek at Laurel's shiny collection and find a couple she wanted but didn't have yet. After many weeks of hunting - from the couch with a leg in a boot (and frantically hiding any progress from Laurel in future dates) - Michael found 12 specific shiny Pokémon to be given to Laurel in the proposal.

Once Michael could drive again, he made a dinner reservation with a nudge and a wink that something special would happen that day - and having Ashley drop off a dress and an additional hint just in case. Michael arrived at Laurel's place very early to trade all the shiny Pokémon to her on their Switch consoles, including 3 with special names - "Will" (a lobster), "You" (a rare cat/fox/dog that can choose to evolve in many ways), and "Marry Me?" (two mice holding hands).

With the last one, Michael was (finally) able to get down on one knee, Laurel said yes, and the rest is history.

L&M

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception