It all begins when Paige meets Michael on a hike the first weekend of college and thinks he is a complete nerd based solely off of his drivers license picture... Paige walked over to a group of people looking at his license and said nothing besides wow and then giggled, a sound which quickly became Michael's favorite noise. Paige and Michael were both involved in Christian community at JMU and through their mutual love of Jesus, quickly became fast friends.
College was an adjustment for both of them but their friendship never really wavered. Early into fall of their freshman year, they both realized they had feelings for each other yet did not want to date so early into their college careers. But, after a fight with Paige's roommate, she finally marched over to Michael's dorm room and told him the way she felt. They came to an agreement that night that they wouldn't date all of freshman year. Safe to say that didn't last long! The flirting continued throughout the fall and ended up culminating in Michael asking Paige out on a date over winter break since they surprisingly only lived 15 minutes away from each other back home! The official first date was January 5th and Michael picked Paige up bright and early to get coffee and take a hike near his house.
After that, they had their ups and downs as two kids trying to figure out dating versus friendship. Yet, they are both so grateful that deep friendship, joy, and appreciation for one another were the foundation of their relationship. Throughout dating, their friendship has gotten even stronger and deeper as they pursue Christ together.
It took a little over 2 years to decide that they really did love each other and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together! He proposed on September 28th at a small park that means a lot to both of them. That day and that place will now be the most special start to forever!