The story begins in 2021 at the Connecticut Department of Labor, where Michaela had recently started a job aimed at helping those affected by the pandemic. Mike, an employee since 2012, worked in the WIOA unit. Through work calls and mutual colleagues, the two crossed paths, but it wasn’t until a coworker invited them out for pizza that they actually met in person. Michaela’s first words to Mike were, “You’re really tall,” to which he awkwardly replied, “Thank you?”

That evening, over pizza and conversation, the group decided it was time to get out of Connecticut and take a day trip to New York. Plans were set, and everyone was excited about the upcoming adventure.

Cut to… everyone canceling except for Mike and Michaela. Despite having only met once, they decided to go ahead with the trip, seeing it as an opportunity to make a new friend and explore the city together.

They spent the day wandering through Central Park, visiting the New York Public Library, and spending hours talking at the Museum of Modern Art. They shared stories about their lives, families, work, dreams, and what they envisioned for the future—though neither knew at the time that their futures would eventually become one.

On the train ride home, both Mike and Michaela felt the spark of a crush but were too nervous to make the first move. Sitting apart, masks on (still required at the time), Michaela’s stop was approaching. She decided to take a chance. She turned to Mike and asked, “So, I was wondering if you’d be interested in asking me out?”

He responded, “Can I?”

And the rest is history.