Our love story began on Tinder in September 2018. Mike first messaged Michelle with a “Hey, how are you doing?” Then from there, the two began talking but Michelle would only message Mike once a day to keep him reeled in. Even though it drove Mike absolutely nuts, he would respond with very, very long paragraphs as well. But the more they talked, the more they realized how much they had in common and enjoyed the conversations that were being had. These once a day conversations took place for about a month since Michelle went to Peru and Mike went to Alaska right after. Then finally when they were both back, Mike officially asked Michelle on a date. She chose Uncle Julio’s since they both loved Mexican food and margaritas. But before the date, Michelle sent a text to one of her friends and told him: “I know this is crazy, but I think I found my husband and I haven’t even met him in person yet.”


On October 17, 2018, Michelle was anxiously waiting at the restaurant’s front door and was pretending to look at her phone so she didn’t accidentally say hello to the wrong person (pictures can be deceiving!). As Mike approached, he said “Michelle?” And Michelle looked up and they both said hey and hugged then went inside. The conversation came so naturally during dinner even though they were both extremely nervous. They talked about their common interests and families and both of their trips they had recently been on. Mike wanted to show Michelle his pictures from Alaska and as he was holding his phone to show her, his hand nervously was shaking trying to show her pictures. Michelle thought it was adorable that she could make someone so nervous. The two of them stayed at the restaurant talking for the next three hours and honestly, they both didn’t even notice how fast time was going by. At the end of the date, Mike walked Michelle to her car and went in for a hug. Except Michelle thought he was going to kiss her on the first date and immediately pulled away according to Mike. They went their separate ways and sent texts back and forth saying they both got home safely and had an amazing night. When Michelle got home, she gushed to her dad how amazing Mike was but how incredibly sad she was since Mike didn’t ask her on a second date. Her dad said give it some time, he probably doesn’t want to seem too eager. The next day, Mike sent Michelle saying how he had such a great time and asked Michelle how she thought it went. She said the exact same thing! Mike was so relieved at that response because he had no idea what Michelle thought of the date since she pulled back very quickly after the goodbye hug. He just assumed that the date didn’t go as well as he thought it went. But both of them really wanted to see each other again so Mike finally asked Michelle on a second date.


Fast forward two weeks, Mike asked Michelle to be his girlfriend on their fourth date on October 30, 2018. From there on, their relationship began to become serious as both of them felt the spark and realized that there was something very special there. They were inseparable, talked every day, and couldn’t help but plan for their future today. Like everyone says when you know, you know. Throughout the years, they went on vacations, celebrated holidays together, dates, and grew stronger as a couple. Then, on November 20, 2021, Mike completely surprised Michelle with the most romantic proposal at his townhouse that she had ever seen. Michelle was carrying groceries into the townhouse and said to Mike, “This is really happening now isn’t it?” She was wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt with no makeup on and had no idea he would propose that day. But as she walked in, she saw candles and rose petals that were lined in a path on the floor from his kitchen to his living room. He created a photo album of all of their adventures together throughout the years and had bouquets of roses scattered throughout. After Michelle flipped through the photo album too quickly due to nerves, she stood up anxiously awaiting for Mike to drop to one knee and ask the question. That took Mike by surprise that it happened so quickly and he nervously began telling Michelle how she meant the world to him and he couldn’t wait to begin a life together. Then he finally asked Michelle to marry him and she of course said yes! And that is the beginning of our love story and happily ever after.