Natalie and Andrew’s love story began in April 2023 after they met in a café and most definitely not on Bumble.


For their first date they grabbed drinks and the conversation included plenty of banter, a dab of politics, and an intense debate over whose dog – Simba or Ito – is crazier. Both left the date excited to get to know each other further.


The following months were spent playing pickleball and paddleboarding, going on weekend getaways, enjoying game nights with their friends, and, of course, watching football. In fact, when Natalie asked Andrew one Saturday if he wanted to go to a bar at 9:00am to watch the Michigan game, he started ring shopping.


In February they moved in together and shortly after fostered two puppies. Wrangling their own two cats, two dogs, and adding two fosters to the mix tested the couple’s patience, energy, and cleaning skills. Luckily they survived their first co-fostering experience and look forward to playing a role in the rescue of many more animals in the future.


In March, Andrew decided it was time to propose. What he did not know is that Natalie had predicted the proposal a month earlier, as evidenced by getting her nails done every couple of weeks “just in case.” Sadly, it took 3 sets of new nails for Andrew to catch on to the not-so-subtle hint.


So on a sunny Saturday, he carefully laid out rose petals in the backyard, dressed the dogs in black bowties, and put some celebratory homemade margaritas on ice. Everything was perfect for the proposal... until Natalie came home. Within seconds of coming through the door the dogs broke free from their collars, pounced all over their humans, Andrew forgot to get down on one knee, and Simba would not stop eating the flower petals (apparently the red ones tasted the best).


But no amount of chaos could ruin the moment dedicated to their love. In fact, the couple would not have it any other way.


And if you’re wondering who ended up winning the debate on the first date... Surprise! It was (and remains) a tie.