About 2 Months before Michaela met Michael, she declared "I am giving up on dating. Until God brings a man to my doorstep who says 'hey, I want to date you' I am done for a while." Little did she know, two months later she would be asked to host a mission team for dinner at her house in LA and Michael would be right there, waiting at her door step, and he would be smitten right away.

Michael on the other hand, had been on a flight to the west coast for this mission trip praying and doing a bible study when he felt like the Lord told him to pay attention because he was about to meet the woman he would marry. Michael shook it off thinking that he might have just heard something on his own accord, but took note of it just in case.

As she let him in the door on September 25th, Michael would do his best to help her in the kitchen, compliment her taste in books and music and go out of his way to sit with her. Michaela saw how kind, goofy and intentional he was and was amazed and grateful that he noticed her. However, a misheard comment would wrongfully lead Michaela to believe that Michael had a girlfriend back home. So, she became obstinate toward Michael and any advancement he made toward her.

Michael, however, would not give up. Even though he had only spent less than 6 hours with Michaela, he admired her hospitality, fun personality and joyful heart and he knew he had to get her number. He texted her once with no response. Then twice, with no better luck. He was going to lay it to rest when he felt the Lord in his Bible study urge him to reach out a third time.

Little did he know Michaela had intentionally ignored the first two messages for fear that she would be texting a taken man, but on the third message she declared to her roommate, "CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS MAN'S AUDACITY" and told her roommate what had been going on. Her roommate heard the story and urged Michaela "OH NO! You have gravely misunderstood. That man is not in a relationship, you simply misheard the comment. Text him back immediately!" So Michaela finally responded and Michael's kindness and intentionality only got stronger and more beautiful with time.

After several months, the two agreed to pray and seek God about their relationship. So, when Michaela came home for Christmas they would meet again in person for the first time since LA at the halfway point between SC and Florida. However, Michaela's transportation fell through and she thought she may have to cancel. But once again, Michael proved his determination and intentionality by offering to drive 10 hours for a shot at just one day with her. The trip went beautifully and on December 20th, the couple officially began dating. They joked their story was just a hallmark movie as Michaela came back to her small town from a big city at Christmas time and fell head over heels for a man along the way.

They would begin dating long distance, sharing many Netflix and scrabble FaceTime dates and making frequent trips across the country to see each other, falling more in love with both each other and with Jesus each time.

On October 22nd of the following year, Michael would surprise Michaela by flying up to Greenville to propose to her with a park bench and a basket full of goodies that referenced a song they had both grown to love.

Now, the couple prepares for their wedding and for Michaela to move to Tampa with Michael to begin their journey in marriage and ministry. Pray for them as they take these steps to continue their love story in faith.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown Riverplace