We're getting married!

Maria and Michael met a long long time ago (like 2014 or something ridiculous). They were still babies. Yes, they did indeed meet through Maria's brother (ask him how he feels about that). Mina lived in Wisconsin for work, Maria came to visit (against her will), and the rest is history. They started out as friends, in the era of snapchat. Many snaps and phone calls later, Michael finally decided to be brave and tell Maria how he feels. When they made it official, Michael asked Maria through a card - he asked her to make it official with the options of "yes" "no" "maybe" and of course, Maria chose "maybe." But honestly, this was a better response than the proposal day when Maria said nothing. But in all seriousness, there is no better pair than these two. God truly has brought them together, and he is their center and guide in every decision they make. Even though Maria did not want to visit Wisconsin, and definitely didn't want to meet any one new that day - the visit and friendship that developed for years after changed their lives forever.

If you ask Maria, she will sum up this proposal with "lies, lies and more lies... trust no one." It all started months before - Michael had been planning and talking with Maria's friends and family for so long. Maria is SO hard to surprise, so they knew they were up for a challenge. During this time, Maria was on rotations and only got one week breaks every 3 months. She was coming home during her break in the end of September, so Michael knew this would be the time! He had her friend (Catherine) tell Maria months in advance that her master's degree celebration was happening end of September, and Catherine invited Maria to come with her. The proposal was to take place on a Saturday, Maria was supposed to leave Detroit Friday. Being the stubborn person she is, she started considering leaving Saturday last minute. Now begins the series of lies... 1. Her brother (Mina): "Maria you have to come back Friday; I am flying out for work, and I have no one to take me to the airport. You told me you can" 2. Her brother (Matthew): sends pictures of cardiology questions "Maria what do these things mean" 3. On the day of, Maria walked into Catherine's house and Catherine's mom was also dressed up for this event - Maria had no reason to question any of this. 4. On the day of, as Maria was walking to the proposal area, there was a sign that said "MU-COM Master's celebration this way" -- Michael thought of every detail! 5. Maria's medical school friends were going home to see their families for break, she knew there's no way they can attend a proposal, or so she thought. 6. Michael was working that week, so she knew he couldn't come to Indiana. He was scheduled to come a few days later after work. With her brothers out of town, Michael working and her friends busy, this was the last thing on Maria's mind. They're so thankful for friends & family that traveled from WI and MI and everyone that made this day possible.