We're getting married!

They met the very first day of their Freshman year of high school. Amanda was the quiet and shy one while Michael was the loud, outgoing one. Amanda was immediately interested in Michael, but he just wanted to be friends. Over the next year, they became very close friends and formed a very strong bond as they grew together that Freshman year. They created inside jokes, ate lunch together almost every day, and got to really know each other. Halloween of their Sophomore year, Michael told Amanda about a girl he liked but wasn't sure if she liked him back. Amanda, who still had feelings for Michael, decided to put her own feelings aside and told Michael "If you don't jump, you'll never know if you will fall or fly." The next day at school, Michael pulled Amanda aside and said "I'm jumping" and asked Amanda to be his girlfriend. And the rest, is history!

Throughout their relationship, they loved going to Thunderbird Mountain in northern Phoenix. This spot is so important to them because it was here that they had many important talks about their hopes, dreams, and love for each other. As the years went by in their relationship, this place became a treasure to them. December in Arizona is perfect hiking weather so Michael asked Amanda if she wanted to go hiking, and off they went. They decided to bring their dog, Moka, who is usually the most hyper, in-your-face dog ever. Michael led the hike, taking them to a beautiful spot with an amazing view of the city. Amanda was looking at the view and when she turned around, Michael was on his knee with Moka sitting uncharacteristically calmly next to them, as if she knew that this was a very important moment for the both of them. Michael proposed and Amanda said "YES!"