Mike and Mary met in 2015 when their mutual friend from college invited her to join their group for a weekend in Rothbury, MI for a music festival. Both attending Illinois State, Mike and Mary found themselves in the same group of friends. As they spent time together in this close-knit circle of friends, they began to build a stronger friendship, but never thinking that this new connection could grow into anything more. Little did they know that fate had a special plan for them.

Fast forward to New Years Eve 2017 where Mike and Mary's love story would begin. Sharing their love for live music, they traveled to Atlanta, Ga for a concert that would forever change how they felt about each other.

Shortly after the ball had dropped, confetti still falling to the floor, Mike looked over to see Mary being hoisted off the ground by a man who no one could recognize. Mike noticed the fear in her eyes as she did not know who this guy was either. Mike quickly jumped into action telling the guy to put her down, with his response being "NO", grabbing her tighter. This left Mike no choice.... He swung as hard as he could, making solid connection with the guys face. He dropped to the floor, out cold.

From that day on, the connection between Mike and Mary quickly grew from a friendship into something much more. After getting home from an extremely fun, but wild weekend, Mary made the first move by setting up a first unofficial date at a local Plainfield bar. From then on, the love story is history!