Michael and Anja met one another when they were 5 and 6 at Sunday School at Saint Martin of Tours Church in Jackson, PA. Those two little kids had no idea that 20 years later, they'd share their first kiss in the parking lot of that same church.

Though Michael and Anja went to two different high schools they were always in the same circles and remained in touch. It wasn't until 2019, when things changed.

In 2019/2020, Anja was a News Reporter and Michael was an Assistant Chief at Thompson Hose Company. Michael helped Anja with 3 separate news stories. Once with Tornado coverage in the Thompson area, another time with fire prevention in the winter (where Anja accidentally made Michael the Groundhog President), and again for 4th of July fireworks. Neither of them had a romantic thought in their head at the time- just friends helping friends and the invisible string pulling them closer together.

In the summer of 2021 the two would talk casually frequently. There's still a debate between the two of who started flirting with who first, but, one day, Anja was out at lunch and could not stop thinking about Michael. On her way home from lunch, she texted Michael asking if he wanted to meet somewhere. Michael suggested the church where they first met. They spent HOURS talking and laughing in Michael's truck. Michael mentioned it being a "date" and Anja said "well if this is a date, you have to walk me to my car before I leave". And it was then, standing next to her car, outside of the place they first met, where they kissed for the first time. (They still debate who kissed who first too).

Since then, the pair have been inseparable. Michael brings the peace, calm, and kindness to Anja's adventure, spontaneity, and warmth. They fell in love by doing things for one another that supported their passions. Michael would have "Taylor Swift Nights" for Anja where they would get Chinese food and wine and listen to the full album the day they came out. (This started with Red, Taylor's Version after only a month of dating). And Anja would go to all things NASCAR with Michael once a year which has allowed them to travel to Boston, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and South Carolina. Michael and Anja have endured so much since their journey began including Michael supporting Anja through graduate school both mentally, and financially at times, job transitions/loss, and buying their first home together. (The home Michael grew up in). The two bring out the most genuine versions of themselves they have ever seen or felt. And on top of that, they help one another bloom and grow into the people they desire to be most.

On March 29th 2025, Michael and Anja were planning to go to the Finger Lakes with their friends to Celebrate Michael's and his best friend Dylan's, birthdays. Or so Anja thought. (so much so that she planned the whole thing). Michael wanted to stop at a waterfall to "recreate a photo" they took 2 years prior. Little did Anja know the photo that Michael wanted to recreate was his way of setting up his proposal in front of Montour Falls. As they stood posing for their photo, Michael looked at Anja and said "I love you!". "I love you too?" Anja said trying to pose for the photo. "How much?" Michael asked. Anja now looking at him very confused said "A lot, why?". "Enough to marry me?" Michael asked. Then he got on one knee and pulled out Anja's dream ring. She said "yes", of course, with a flood of tears pouring from her eyes.

Now, today, they are planning their wedding to be held in the Finger Lakes just like where Michael proposed. A place that has become very special for the couple over the years. Continuing the love they have grown since 2021. But knowing it all slowly began when they were just two kids, in a church basement, as that invisible string began pulling them closer together.

M&A

Wedding Day