Our Story

An already scorching hot afternoon abound with Southern Belles and Gents in the South End of Charlotte, North Carolina set the scene for two hopeless romantics to catch each other's eye. What they didn't know was that they were about to spend an entire day pining for the brief moments that brought them within a stone's throw distance. Anxiety was at an all time high. Dj had made plans with his small army of eligible bachelors to join each other in an afternoon affair before galavanting off to a beer festival at Sycamore brewing company. Michaela had just recently made the big leap from idolized Hollywood fame to Sweet Tea and Shrimp and Grits. She, accompanied by one of her best friends (and wing-women) Katie (Beattie) Geiser, decided to accept a generous invitation from Brian Adams to this so-called Singles Mingle. After hours of indecisiveness on what to wear (typical), the two partners in crime finally made it en-route to their alluring destination. The South End daytime festival scene did not disappoint as they paraded their way towards the Spectrum apartment building. On the opposite side of the apartment window, while the bachelor banquet continued with one-too-many Beer-mosas, Dj caught his eye on a diversion emerging from a nearby Uber. Lucky for him, she was carrying an invitation to the very soiree he was currently engaging in. The first introduction between these two starry-eyed lovebirds occurred here at Tony Christiano’s humble abode. The first awkward stares and stumbling conversations. The first laughs. The last Bud Lights. If they only knew what this would lead to…

Sycamore’s lively setting made for the perfect environment for the back and forth exchange of awkward flirtations. The rambunctious group of young Charlottians continued their quest for the best beer around town at The All American Pub’s elegant local watering hole. As Michaela and Katie narrowed in on dinning options to fuel their next adventure, they were about to bid their adieu’s when Dj realized he had a tough decision to make. The fearless ladies whisked away to their Uber waiting patiently outside, as Michaela hoped that it wouldn’t be the end of their love story. At the very last moment, Michaela caught a glimpse of a magical gazelle sprinting through the bustling bar crowd and catching the car handle. Her knight in shining armor was here to accompany their quest for a late night snack. As the night progressed, the two were inseparable. Dancing, laughing, wedding crashing, and battling with light up foam sticks. Their friends were surely nauseated by their instant infatuation, but before the night came to an end, Dj had gathered the courage to ask Michaela to dinner the next evening.

Their first date took place the following evening and thankfully the two of them had their trusted best friends, Sara Carr and Josh Martin, to aid in preparation for their (last) first date with motivating advice and encouragement. Dj, the fine gentleman that he was raised to be, picked Michaela up and the two headed off to a bachelor-esque night of bantering over lasagna, a fine Italian red wine, Adam Sandler movie quotes, and side-splitting laughs. Thankfully the wine helped ease the anxiety the two had for the date knowing that they each already had enormous crushes for one another. In fact, Dj caught himself almost drinking the wine straight from the bottle! Michaela brushed it off with a snorting giggle, but secretly knew she had truly met her perfect match. Either that, or she just realized that her date had a serious drinking problem. It was then and there that these two would become stage-5 clingers to one another for the next few weeks.

After a month of building their relationship around live music, local craft beer, romantic rendezvous to neighboring towns , and daily cooking competitions, the two almost made things official at the Charlotte Knights Stadium. Dj fearlessly asked Michaela to be his girlfriend during the baseball game fireworks presentation. She decided that the best way to make sure he was in it for the long haul, was to make him sweat a little! Dj finally sealed the deal the following weekend during an exquisite brunch overlooking the city skyline at Fahrenheit restaurant in Uptown, Charlotte. It only took 2 Bloody Mary’s to break down her walls.

As the two went on tour to announce their new relationship, the first stop was Dj’s dad’s house in northern Charlotte. Dj couldn’t wait to show off his new girlfriend to his best friend. The three of them cooked a beautiful meal together, exchanged gardening tips, and laughed all night over Crown Vanilla and Budweiser. The second stop was Frederick, Maryland where Dj had the chance to get the full crabcakes and football experience. He connected with Michaela’s mom, Kym, and brothers, Keelan and Connor, right away. But we all know the real test was to impress Michaela’s dad, Dave Ails. Dj immediately fit right in with his remarkable knowledge around planes, trains, and automobiles. Although, he did fit in so well that strangers thought he was related to the family. Just because we’re “below the Mason-Dixon line” doesn’t mean we date our cousins! After Dj won the hearts of the grueling Ails family, he and Michaela continued their tour down to Sebring, Florida where Michaela was introduced to Dj’s loving family. Michaela instantly bonded with Dj’s sisters April, and Kimmy and Dj’s mom, Camille over Dj’s most embarrassing moments. Even April’s children, Joel Jr and Manny had some dirt on him! Michaela was so excited to spoil them with toy cars and preppy Gap outfits. The tour continued on with Michaela finally getting the chance to meet Dj’s other twin sister, Amanda and her daughter Autumn. Michaela and Autumn painted each other’s nails (she definitely needed a manicure) and bonded with Amanda over crabs and dangerous stuffed peppers.

Months flew by and Michaela and Dj’s frequent flyer status sky-rocketed as the two found their kindred passion for travel. Their connection grew more intense as their Marriott points multiplied. The globe trotters went from “glamping” in Asheville to cheering on the NY Mets on Long Island. From making our own Catalina Wine Mixer in California to Hiking in Yosemite. From Polka Dancing in Helen, Georgia to Oyster slurping in Charleston. From weddings, to birthdays, to baby showers, and Dj being the most supportive plus-one. From scuba diving bootcamp in Honduras to finally enjoying a well-earned Pina Colada. From buying our first house together, adopting a polar bear, and watching that polar bear grow into a full blown wooly mammoth. Lake boating and floating. From surviving a 24 hour flight to Australia and New Zealand, to finally jumping around with Kangaroos and diving on the GBR with face-slapping sea turtles. From camper van adventures around New Zealand to heart attack causing hikes. And even to surviving a pandemic together without suspected domestic murder.

A surprise family trip to Hilton Head Island was the icing on the cake by the ocean where Dj arranged for a magical sunset sailboat ride where he asked Michaela to be his adventure partner for life. As the story tells, she said YES! The two are now blissfully awaiting to exchange vows back on Hilton Head Island with their toes in the sand, Mai Tai in hand!

We are so excited for our friends and family to join us in celebration!!

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