Her Version:

The summer of 2019 was pure MAGIC. It was filled with the usual sun burns, lake family and iconic peach crown. August 11, 2019 was the first time we formally met. Conversation started with praising Post Malone and his masterpiece of music. Meanwhile, David and Pablo were betrothing us, (it worked).

Our first date was September 7, 2019 and we have truly been inseparable ever since. I took Richard on his first trip to Universal Studios , Orlando. Richard took me to Oregon and Washington where I lived out my Twilight dreams.

May 13, 2023, we went back to where it all started. Surrounded by our family and friends, with the song One Man Band by Old Dominion playing in the background, Richard got on one knee and proposed.

We are beyond excited to say "I do" and celebrate with all of you!

Richie, I love you more than all the stars in the sky - mic

His version:

During the summer of 2019, with the rise of the water in Elephant Butte, the trips to the lake became more frequent. Weekend after weekend going to enjoy the water. However, these trips weren’t always about the parties. I remember the specific weekend when I first laid my eyes on you, Memorial weekend, out in the distance, there you were standing next to all the boats on the shore. This was where our story began. Every weekend going to the lake that summer, I hoped I would be able to see you again. Finally, for my Birthday (August 11th) my hopes had been fulfilled. I had gotten the opportunity to meet you formally, and talk about various subjects including taste in music. I knew from then on, I was in trouble. A few weeks after that experience, we finally were able to meet again on Labor Day weekend. After some embarrassing encouragement from my father, I had the courage to ask you out (tried multiple times until she knew I was serious). We had a glorious first date on September 7th, 2019, that included Saggios pizza, Sonic, and looking at scenic views of the city where we would talk for hours. After this, we haven’t gone a single day where we wouldn’t talk to each other. With the amount of time we have spent together, and all the jokes about making you my wife, I knew deep down I meant it every time. I made this dream of mine to marry you a reality where at Elephant Butte on May 13th, 2023, I decided to make it official and asked you to spend our life together. I love you, Michaela. To be able to grow old with your best friend is a fantasy for most, however it will become a reality for me.

When death takes my hand, I will hold you with the other and promise to look for you in every lifetime. – anonymous