Family means more to us than anything else. We thought it would be fitting for everyone to hear our story from our Family's perspective because they know best.

~~

"Long before Drew popped the question, I knew Mikey was the one. Early in their relationship, Mikey had to move to State College for Grad school, which left Drew heartbroken. He tried to deny his feelings, but we all knew Drew's heart now belonged to Mikey; though Kaio might disagree with me there. After returning to Albuquerque for the summer, Mikey and Drew became inseparable. Summer ended and Mikey had to go back to school. I know this move was hard on both of them and it wasn't long before Drew decided to follow Mikey. With a little encouragement from Mom and Dad and $2,000 to break the lease, Drew quit his job. He packed up his car and headed to State College. I can say, that I never expected the process of your child finding their soulmate and falling in love, being one of the most amazing experiences you get as a parent. Mikey is not only Drew's other half, but she is our daughter. I am so thankful that Drew and Mikey found each other in this crazy world, and I know Kaio would agree with me there."

- Jamie Garcia (Mom)

"I remember walking into my mother-in-law's house 5 years ago and hearing, 'Drew's girlfriend is here'. I hadn't had the opportunity to meet her. All I knew was Drew was head over heels for her. I walked into the house and there was an air mattress on the floor. Everyone was lying around laughing. Mikey was in the middle of it all, and she looked just like family. It wasn't awkward or strange. When they looked at each other for a second it seemed like we all just disappeared from their thoughts. I knew what they had was something special."

- Frank Garcia (Dad)

"What can I say about Drew and Mychal except that their names make them a gender-ambiguous couple and I think that's neat. Mikey and Drew fit into each other's families like they were always meant to be. Mikey is a friend that Haley and I both cherish, but Drew can be very selfish with her. If you try to make plans with her, without him. Don't be surprised if he shows up and offers to drive. Mikey makes Drew jealous in a way I've never seen him. Despite this inconvenience, I think this level of yearning proves Mikey is Drew's person."

- Samantha Garcia (Sister)

"It's a joyful time of anxiousness and sadness combined. Although Mychal Spring will always be my baby girl, she's not my baby girl anymore. My love for her is immeasurable. As a father, I worry she will find the right person. Men are supposed to be strong, hunter-gatherer types, but these days, they need to also be kind and softhearted—like her dad.

Wonderfully enough, Drew has all those qualities, along with the mental strength to love, cherish, and love my little girl in their new life."

- Michael Taylor (Dad)

"I remember when Mikey moved to Pennsylvania to go to Graduate school, and Drew sent her flowers every month for a year. I told Mikey this man is serious, and if you are not serious, you better put a stop to this. I think she didn't want to tell yet how in love she was with Drew. There was no reason and no way she wanted to stop those flowers. It has been such a pleasure to watch Drew and Mikey's love grow. I am so happy that they are best friends who deeply love and respect each other. Drew is everything a mom could have wished for her daughter and he has become a son to me. I wish both of them long years of happiness."

- Laurel Taylor (Mom)

"When Drew came into Mikey's life flowers started blooming in the darkest corners of her world. Parts of her world that other people tore down. She was glowing. That's when I knew that Drew was something special. I didn't get to meet him in person for quite a while. I finally got to meet him when I visited them in Pennsylvania. Mikey was different this time. I hadn't seen her so happy in a long time. On that trip, I realized exactly why Drew captured Mikey's heart. He went out of his way to catch fireflies for me since I hadn't seen one before. Drew fits into our family like a missing puzzle piece; always matching our energy and joining in on all of our crazy quirks. I truly believe Mikey and Drew were made for each other. They complete each so seamlessly, in a way I've never seen before. It is so special. I am beyond happy to have Drew join our family finally and I wish them a lifetime of love and happiness."

- Chanel Blackmon (Sister)

"They say, “You two go together like…”

Peanut butter and jelly

Copy and paste

Cops and donuts

Baseball games and hot dogs

Two Lego square pieces

Alcohol and bad decisions

Tacos and Tuesdays

Sharks and tornados

Bilbo and Gandalf

Pokemon Red and Blue

Shopping carts and broken wheels

Sonic and Tails

and more...

Now, before I get started, let me fill you in on a little secret: all the rumors you’ve heard are true… but first, let me explain why…

You see, since the very first chapter of this “picture-perfect” fairytale that we’ve all watched unfold, one thing has become clear as day — this was a match made in heaven. Naturally, people will say those kinds of things that I listed. And who can blame them?? Two peas in a pod… I’m talking, of course, about Drew and I! We really are perfect together!

… oh… and Mikey and Drew are ok together too, I guess…

Now. In all seriousness, when I first met Drew, we instantly clicked. Almost... like a couple of childhood friends being reunited. See, I could tell right away why Mikey was so fond of him. Drew exemplifies everything that I’d want in a brother. He’s the brother I’d choose on the character-selection screen! He respects my sister, he takes care of himself, he’s a charming, funny, gym-bro, he has great taste in music & beer, and lastly, he can keep up with MY hijinks and shenanigans (an exclusive and rare club)…

He’s proven time and again that he can hold his own: We’ve conquered Scott Pilgrim’s mightiest foes, bested the politicians & socialites of Albuquerque in lawn-game Olympics, toured The Happiest Place on Earth as Power Rangers, successfully piloted a highly dangerous mission in the one-and-only Millennium Falcon, captured mythical & legendary beasts in the wild, toasted to the governor, and much much more... (I know… we’re impressive..)

Still, I only want the best for my sister — champion’s circle or bust! Now, impressive feats aside, I knew that Mikey found her “forever plus one” the moment Drew packed his bags and drove his Subi across 9 states, to State College, to be with her… also, when she added him to the sibling group chat… You see, Mikey and Drew really are That Couple (n.). The fairytale you read about. The Rom-Com you see on the silver screen. The R&B song coming through your speakers. Hand-in-hand, every step of the way…

And with the standards that Drew holds himself to, I couldn’t be more proud to welcome him into our family as my brother (always wanted one of those...) We’ve undoubtedly added another winner into the mix and I expected nothing less!

That’s all to say: “Mikey and Drew go together like…”

Like everything and anything we love — just name it..

Love you guys! See you soon. Cheers!

P.S. Looking forward to a lifetime of sibling adventures. “Round of applause.”

- Van Blackmon (Brother)"

M&D