Alright ya'll this story is a little long so bear with me :)

Growing up, my Aunt Sharon who lived in Illinois at the time, had these friends that she use to see whenever she came to visit us in Michigan. I remember hearing about her visiting Mike and Mary (and also being a little jealous they would steal her from us) Little did I know that they would be my future in-laws! Fast forward to my Junior year at CMU. We were actually attending my Grandpa's funeral when I finally got to meet Mary. She told me all about her son who also went to CMU (She even had a picture in her wallet) and recommended that I look him up on Facebook! Mike and I began talking and actually met when he showed up to a Halloween party my roommates and I were throwing (he showed up at the end but that's another story I will let him tell) This handsome man dressed as a soccer player strolled into our apartment as we were cleaning up after the party.

He was a little embarrassed about our first meeting so asked me out on a formal date. We went to the Italian Oven and as he describes it, it was the fastest date of our lives. He was a complete gentleman and opened the doors for me and walked me to my apartment after. I think my roommates even teased him about getting me home at a decent time. We hung out a few times but decided that it would be best to just be friends as I was moving to Texas for Optometry school....according to mike I "Friend Zoned Him" Throughout my time in Texas and Mike's time in Colorado we remained friends and talked every once in a while.

As I was getting ready to move back we started talking quite frequently. One of my best friends was getting married back in Michigan (Jackie my bridesmaid) and I just happened to ask Mike if he would be willing to come home and go with me. We had a blast and he fit right in with my friends......not much longer after that Mike found a job in Michigan and moved home. The rest is history. I truly think that sometimes the right person is there all along...you just have to wait for the timing to be right.

Mike proposed at one of my favorite places.. He proposed in Marco Island, Florida during a beautiful sunset on the beach. Not only was it an amazing moment for us but we also got to share it with my family which was incredibly special!

We are so excited for our big day and our future together! We can't wait to see everyone!! xoxo

Photos