The Introduction

Tony and Michelle’s story begins back in the fall of 2020, just days before they both started class at Marian University for their freshman year of college. They had many overlapping interests and involvements throughout their time at Marian, but ultimately it was their love of Ultimate Frisbee, with a formal introduction by bridesmaid Sarah Heard, that brought the couple together for the first time.

The Slow Burn

They quickly became best friends and it wasn’t long before Tony felt they belonged together as something more than friends. It would take Michelle a little longer to see Tony in this way, but when the feelings came, they came fast. After all, they still aren’t sure who reached for whose hand first. Michelle’s feelings came right on time. In time to admit to Tony just weeks before transferring to another university… over 5 hours away. Overjoyed with the excitement that a blossoming relationship brings, neither Tony nor Michelle let the new adventure come between what could be. Continuing to pray and discern, they decided to wait to put a label on their relationship until Michelle could adjust to her new environment. Having been praying for each other and discerning a relationship together since early November of 2021, the couple officially started dating on March 14, 2022.

The Heart of It All

Although the early months of their relationship started long distance with many calls, letters, and weekend visits, the couple wouldn’t remain distant for long. Michelle happily came back to Marian after one semester away and the couple were reunited. If you ask the couple their favorite day of the week that would be an easy answer- Tuesday! A designated date night each and every week. *insert Tuesdays by Jake Scott here*

The 100 Days

Knowing Michelle was the love of Tony’s life, Tony started passively planning their proposal very early on in their relationship. January 21st- the feast day of Michelle’s patron saint, St. Agnes- was an important day to both Michelle and Tony. When Tony realized St. Agnes’ feast day would fall on a Sunday just months before they would be graduating, Tony knew this was when he wanted to propose. It wasn’t until the fall of 2023 that Tony started putting the years of ideas and romantic thoughts he had into motion. Without realizing it, Tony and his mom went to look for an engagement ring for the first time on October 13, 2023- exactly 100 days before he would be proposing. The next hundred days were filled with so much excitement, joy, gratitude, thanksgiving, and love- all documented in a series of 100 letters Tony wrote Michelle leading up to their proposal.

The Proposal

Waking up on January 21, 2024, to watch the sunrise at a park important to their relationship, Tony and Michelle walked in the winter wonderland that God had created perfectly for them. At a warm 1°, Tony asked Michelle if she needed any hand warmers. Using that as a distraction, Tony reached into his coat pocket, pulled out the ring, got down on one knee, and asked the love of his life to marry him. She said yes! Tony and Michelle can’t wait to see and celebrate their love with everyone in June of 2025. They want to thank everyone for all of the support and love in their current stage of life and as all of that support and love continue as they become husband and wife!