[To aid in talking about ourselves in the third person for this website, please enjoy reading our story in the voice of academy award winner, Helen Mirren.]

In early April 2018, Sam and Michael's journey started like so many others in the age of online dating - with a simple "Hey, how's it going?" . Though the greeting may have been unassuming, the friendship and bond that was about to form was anything but.

Their early conversations flowed easily - Sam talked of his love of cooking and hatred of cleaning, while Michael talked of his love of cleaning, and hatred of cooking. They bonded over their love of video games (mostly Pokémon, of course), a good beer, and commentary on a popular show called "Rupaul's Drag Race". Truly boring things to many, but riveting stuff to these two nerds.

On the night of their first meeting, Sam had gotten off a long Friday of work and joined his friend for a bar crawl around the Capitol square. Meanwhile, Michael was having his own dramatic evening at the Shamrock. As luck would then have it, Sam and Michael's mutual friend Nate invited Sam to the Shamrock - which created a very awkward impromptu meet-and-greet.

Coming off the high of their awkward first meeting, the two agreed to give it an honest go-- and what better way than to enjoy Long Island night at The Plaza. The groove must have been really in their hearts that evening , as more dates followed and the rumblings of a relationship started.

In late May 2018, Michael took his usual trip to Key West, while Sam lost yet another phone at America's Rockin' Roller Coast - Cedar Point. Phone recovered, Sam offered to pick Mike up from the airport upon returning to Wisconsin. As Sam was dropping Mike off, Dua Lipa's 'No Goodbyes' started playing - which was fitting as the two were unsure where the relationship may go next.

In June 2018, Sam invited Michael to attend Chicago Pride weekend with a group of friends. The weekend started with great fun, laughs, and no surprises. But on June 23, 2018, with a few sips of tequila and a dare from a friend, Sam surprised Michael with a sudden status change on social media. And that, as they say, was that!

Sam and Mike had gone on a great many adventures since then - bought a condo, adopted their Prince Zuko, made food from around the world, played way too much Pokémon and Fire Emblem, and survived a global pandemic. However, Mike still sought revenge for the surprise that changed his life for the better.

With the help and advice from some of the best friends these two could ask for in this world, Mike's revenge plan came to fruition. In November 2021, during Sam's cherished Friends-giving dinner event, Michael surprised Sam with a ring and question that would evolve their relationship to the next level.

Fast forward to present day and enough with the 3rd person narration - We look forward to welcoming family and friends for an evening of celebrating our Pride and Love!

We truly are thankful to all the players of our little story.

To our parents & family members - your support, love, and acceptance of us has truly meant the world.

To our friends - we could not have gotten this far without you! We are forever grateful of your friendships to us individually and as a couple. Thank you for putting up with us these last few years!

We can't wait to dance the night away with you all! As the great Fairy Godmother (from the Academy Award Nominated Film, Shrek 2) once said, "Put it in C minor!".