We met at an off campus Lambda Chi house party. During the party, a mutual friend introduced us and we hit it off, we even made a special handshake. We each went our separate ways that night and fate would not bring us back together until a few months later. We were lucky enough to have our different friend groups tied together in different ways. Through this, we found ourselves together quite often at one activity or another! Whether it be volleyball at the Vue (our college apartments) or nights out on Dickson, we quickly grew closer as time carried on.

The second half of our final year at the University of Arkansas, we decided our friendship was something special and we officially took our relationship to the next step on January 12, 2018. After graduation, not even half a year into our relationship, big changes were upon us in the form of graduate school and a move to Kansas City! In Kansas City, our relationship grew as time passed. Eventually, even our family grew with the addition of everyone’s favorite wedding guest, Hazel!

On the last day in Kansas City, Michael had organized a surprise proposal for Alyson. He had arranged a lunch with friends at one of their favorite restaurants, Gram and Dun in the Country Club Plaza. After lunch, Michael suggested getting a photo of the couple in front of an art installation. The art installation was “Kansas City Hearts” with beautifully painted Hearts throughout the city. Luckily a heart was right by Gram and Dun. While posing for the photo, Michael bent down on one knee and popped the question. She said yes! Afterwards, the couple went back to their apartment and they were met by a family engagement party where the families and couple celebrated together. The perfect way to end their chapter in Kansas City.

After a big day of celebrating the proposal, Michael, Alyson and their dog child Hazel packed their things and moved to Phoenix, Arizona! The couple lives in Ahwatukee where Alyson is running her own chiropractic practice, Awaken Chiropractic, and Michael is practicing mental health therapy at a private practice. Hazel is continuing her favorite activity, getting spoiled. They love adventuring around the city, going on hikes and camping in the surrounding areas. They are enjoying growing together every day!