Like many great love stories, ours started with a few chance encounters and a little bit of fate.

We both went to Indiana University from 2014 to 2018. While our paths crossed here and there — maybe a smile in passing on campus or a mutual friend’s party — we didn’t really know each other. What we didn’t realize back then was that the person we’d each been looking for was walking those same Bloomington sidewalks all along.

After graduation, we both moved to New York City — Michelle to the Upper West Side, and Ryan to Murray Hill. Through a small-world twist, one of Ryan’s roommates happened to be close friends with one of Michelle’s roommates. Our friend groups merged, and before we knew it, we were spending weekends together, exploring the city and getting to know each other. It wasn’t long before we each realized there was something special between us.

Then came the moment that sealed our fate: we were both heading back to IU for Homecoming — not together, just coincidentally. Or so we thought. Out of all the flights, all the seats, we ended up sitting right next to each other. No planning. Just fate doing its thing. From that moment on, Ryan was convinced the universe had made its move.

We officially started dating in October 2018, and our lives have been beautifully intertwined ever since. We’ve built a life together in NYC, sharing three different apartments, countless memories, and a million laughs.

In May 2024, on a cliffside in magical Madeira, Portugal, Ryan asked Michelle to marry him — and she said yes.

What began with a few glances at IU turned into forever. We’re so excited to start this next chapter and celebrate it with all of you.