15 year old Mike met 14 year old Mandy at Newington Ice Rink while Mandy and Mike's sister, Melissa, were at hockey practice with their team, the CT Northern Lights. Mike was a goalie and decided to practice with the team as it was the holiday season and they were short players. Mandy remembers asking Melissa who the "cute guy" was at their practice who let the team shoot on him, and turns out Mike was asking the same about Mandy - "Who's number 9 with the blonde ponytail?" Thanks for playing matchmaker and getting these two together, Mel! After that practice Mandy and Mike began dating, going to movies at Hoytes in Simsbury and Chili's for dinner as well as Mike playing Dave Matthews songs on guitar. They also visited Newport and have spent many weekends in Naragansett where the Hambley's have a home - which is why getting married in Rhode Island is so significant and special! Both Mandy and Mike did end up parting ways eventually while going to their respective high schools (Mike was a Seawolf who went to Tabor Academy and Mandy was a Martlet from Westminster) although they always stayed in touch in some way. When one of Mandy's best friends and bridesmaid, Hillary, went to Union College, Mandy would visit often and also hang out with Mike who went there too.

After college (10 years after their initial meeting!), they reconnected while out one night in West Hartford, CT, talked for hours, and began their journey as just friends which ultimately progressed into more. Now they live together on the Upper East Side in Manhattan and never looked back. From ice skating in Bryant park, Yankee games, RI dark and stormies, half marathons, surfing and love of hockey and the Hartford Whalers, Mandy and Mike are ready to make their high school sweetheart status official with all of you next October - anchors away! ⚓️ #meetthemambleys