Michael & Alison met during their undergraduate experience at Radford University and began a friendship that unbeknownst to them would lay a foundation for their future together. Years went by after college and occasionally conversations occurred here and there. Michael moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia to begin his career in law enforcement with the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department and Alison was in Roanoke, Virginia pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree through Radford University. In the summer of 2015, Michael reached out to Alison and eventually got around to asking her to dinner. Alison was impressed that he was willing to make the effort to drive an hour and half just for a dinner date. The two talked and talked for hours on end with phone calls and Roanoke/ Harrisonburg visits, bonding over lots and lots of laughs. Things quickly became serious as the two fell madly in love without hesitation. Michael became the king of small and not-so-small gestures that showcased his love and affection, spoiling Alison rotten, and making her feel like the most important and fortunate girl in the world. Upon graduation from her DPT program, Alison moved to Harrisonburg to be with the love of her life. In August, Michael asked Alison’s father for her hand in marriage while grilling steaks on the back deck of their new rental home. On October 15th 2016, a completely oblivious Alison went with Michael and two close friends to the pumpkin patch to pick out fall accessories for the front porch and begin a tradition for future fall adventures. Michael had a pumpkin planted in the patch with “Marry me?” carved & although it took Alison entirely too long to find (almost blowing the whole moment entirely) she found the prized pumpkin and turned around to Michael on one knee, professing his love and commitment to a lifetime together. With a full heart she accepted & together they have planned the wedding of their dreams.