Natalie and Michael met in April 2024 in Terminal B, Gate 18, of LaGuardia airport, on Michaels lunch break, in-between flights. Michael approached Natalie and told her he liked her necklace, which had a crucifix and an ‘Our Lady of Guadalupe’ medal. After a brief conversation, he said farewell and boarded his flight, only to realize he forgot to ask for her name or phone number. Michael ran back up the jet bridge into the terminal, holding up his flight to go back. When Natalie saw him coming, she smiled and said I was hoping you would come back. Michael melted in relief and thought oh good, she likes me.

After exchanging phone numbers, they texted back and forth for two weeks, struck by all the things they had in common. They eventually decided to chat on the phone, finding instant chemistry. After a month of FaceTime, Michael decided to take a leap of faith and fly to Florida to see Natalie (and meet her family, on the first date no less). Michael decided during that trip that Natalie was the one for him. Michael continued to visit Florida each month, and Natalie started to visit Michael in Virginia. Later that year, Michael proposed to Natalie on All Saints Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.