Some love stories start with a grand, serendipitous meeting—but ours started with a dating app and a whole lot of patience. You see, we met online during one of Shawn’s favorite times of year: striper season. If you know anything about fishermen, you know that convincing one to go on a date during peak fishing time is no small feat! But eventually, we made it to a riverside restaurant, where the conversation flowed as easily as the river beside us. Michelle even managed to convince Shawn to wear the lobster bib—an image she still treasures to this day.

From that first date, our love for the outdoors and adventure kept us coming back for more. One of our first memorable outings was to the waterfalls on Kinderhook Creek. Shawn, ever the thrill-seeker, leapt from the highest rocks without a second thought. Michelle, on the other hand, took one look down and reconsidered all her life choices. But with some coaxing (and a fair amount of nerves), she made a small jump—while still marveling at Shawn’s fearless nature.

Just six months into dating, the world hit pause with the COVID lockdown. Suddenly, we were together 24/7—a true test of any relationship. But instead of driving each other crazy, we found joy in the quiet moments. Whether it was cooking at home, finding new ways to entertain ourselves, or simply enjoying each other’s presence, we knew this was something special.

Fast forward five years, and Shawn had a plan—one that Michelle didn’t see coming (for once). After a canceled garden tour derailed her proposal expectations, she had all but given up on an engagement happening that weekend. But little did she know, Shawn had another idea in mind. On a quiet beach along the Hudson River, he asked the question that would lead us here today. Spoiler alert: she said yes!

Now, as we prepare for our wedding, we’re excited to celebrate in a way that reflects us—casual, relaxed, a little playful, and filled with love. We can’t wait to share this next adventure with all of you!