"We met the old fashioned way...online." - Michael Tassitino, 2024

Susannah and Michael met during great transitions in both of their lives. Her, just starting graduate school. Him, starting a new job. Susannah would say in later years that it was Michael's bold use of garlic in his cooking that first made her think she found the one. Indeed, she would go on to tell those closest to her that before she met Michael, she never knew you could put a whole head of garlic in a dinner for two.

The two hit it off immediately, but it seemed destined that Susannah's new found affection would be tested right from the start. Having just met, Michael was swept away on a backpacking trip to a distant land (Virginia). Susannah checked her phone regularly, waiting to hear word, and worrying Michael had slipped away into the vast sea of former acquaintances (ghosts, some may call them). Michael, unaware of this, had a great time in the woods but was eager to see Susannah again. They reunited after their brief, albeit worrisome, absence, proving once and for all that love truly conquers all—including poor cell reception.

Through the ages, Susannah would be excited to share her passions and favorite experiences with Michael...

And Michael would share his own with her...

But most of all, they would relish having a companion who was just as eager as the other to lead an active life, full of many different experiences and places...

So even though it was a surprise when he proposed, Susannah already knew from their many adventures together that the two of them were meant to be, and that they would share a wonderful life together.