Michael and Ariel’s first date was on February 3, 2024—a three-mile run through the trails of First Landing State Park. With the winter chill in the air, Michael broke the ice by joking, “Do you always meet strange men in the woods?” Despite the cold, he came prepared with hand warmers and even a brand-new chapstick for Ariel. After their run, the two continued the day with a proper coffee date at a local coffee shop, where conversation flowed so easily that three hours slipped by without them noticing. It was the start of something truly special.

On April 17, 2025, Michael and Ariel went to the beach to watch the sunrise. Wrapped in a quilt with coffee in hand, they sat together, talking about life, their future, and all the dreams they shared. As the sun rose, vibrant and bright, painting the sky in breathtaking colors, Michael spoke a few sweet words straight from the heart. Then, he pulled out a ring box and asked Ariel to marry him. It was a quiet, tender moment—just the two of them, the ocean, and a brand-new chapter waiting to begin.