If you ask Michael and Alyissa when they met - you might get a different answer. While Alyissa is certain that they met freshmen year of high school, Michael would incorrectly tell you they they didn't meet until sophomore year. They'll meet in the middle and say they didn't officially become friends until sophomore year when they participated in Youth and Government together. Come Junior year of high school - Michael asked Alyissa to be his homecoming date. In the weeks leading up to homecoming - Alyissa found herself developing a tiny crush on Michael. However, when Michael sent a friend to see if Alyissa actually had a crush on him - Alyissa obviously told the friend "No." Things worked out of course, and Alyissa and Michael finally admitted - to each other - that the crush was mutual. They started dating right before homecoming and you could say the rest is history. Alyissa and Michael dated all the way through their undergraduate and graduate degrees at Bowling Green State University, where they both accumulated closets full of orange sweatshirts and the name for their future dog. In 2021, Michael was accepted into law school at Wash U in St. Louis, and he started in the Fall of 2022, while Alyissa finished her master's degree in Ohio. After flights and 6-hour drives between Ohio and St. Louis, Alyissa made the move to St. Louis in January 2023. After a year and a half of Alyissa poking at Michael about getting engaged, Michael pulled off a surprise engagement while he and Alyissa were in Ft. Myers. Right before he got down on one knee - Alyissa looked at him and said "This would have been the best beach for a proposal." Alyissa and Michael have experienced a lot of life together. They've lived in four different states, adopted a dachshund puppy, and started their careers. They're so excited for their next journey and to celebrate their marriage with their closest friends and family.