Mike and Stephanie originally met in May of 2021 when Mike was in a motorcycle accident. He was admitted to Inova Fairfax Hospital’s TACS unit, where Stephanie worked. The two did not interact much as the main goal was just to get Mike home. After Stephanie convinced the doctors and a slight personal belongings hiccup, Mike was on his way. During discharge, the two shared a glance over some “silliness”, as Stephanie would call it, and thus began their ability to communicate. This was the last time they saw or thought of each other in 2021.

At the beginning of 2022, Stephanie and her roommate, Bethany, decided to venture out on a gross, snowy night, to PJ Skidoos in fairfax. They were 2 of about 6 people in the bar that night. Once sitting down, Stephanie immediately recognized the bartender - but had no idea why. After chatting, they had determined that he was just in a motorcycle accident and she had been the nurse who discharged him. It clicked when Stephanie remembered the slight personal belongings hiccup. All of Mike’s coworkers that night wanted him to stop chatting and close the place early as eventually Stephanie and Bethany were 2/4 customers left, but Mike had a mission. He eventually asked Stephanie for her number, which she hesitantly gave him. Mike texted her later that night to ensure the two girls got home safely, speaking to his wonderful character very early on.

The stories of fate get more interesting as a few weeks later, for Bethany’s birthday, they called an uber to go into Arlington. After conversations in the Uber, the driver was none other than one of Mike Fairfax’s friends who was conveniently also going into Arlington to meet with Mike that night.

The two had their first date the following night. The first date was comfortable and felt like taking to an old friend. The sparks were flying and when Stephanie answered the question “beach or mountains” as “mountains” the two shared their first kiss.

Stephanie and Mike spend lots of time together enjoying new and old hobbies. Mike introduced Stephanie to disc golf and snowboarding. The two spent most of their time outside whenever possible enjoying the fresh air and scenery. They push and encourage each other in their personal and physical goals.

On October 16th, Mike took Stephanie to a pumpkin patch which they had been to the previous year. After picking their own pumpkins and seeing some animals, Mike got down on one knee, asking Stephanie to marry him. Without a doubt, she said yes.

The two are incredibly excited to start their lives together as husband and wife. They are grateful for all the love and support they have received from family and friends along the way. They thank God everyday for bringing them together and helping them foster a lasting relationship with Him at the center.