Carmen started working at College Press in 2023, while Mike was actively searching for a new job. They worked together for about a month, with Mike trying to talk to Carmen several times. She was shy at first, and he would walk by multiple times a day to catch a glimpse at her. She secretly thought he was cute and was waiting for him to ask her out. One day at the end of February 2023, Mike asked Carmen out on a date for coffee. They have been inseparable ever since that day! They crossed paths at just the right time, thanks to God’s wonderful plan for them. Now Mike is working for Star Aviation, and Carmen is finishing up her senior year at UTC.

The weekend of December 14, 2024, Mike’s friends and family were all in town. Carmen and Mike went to hang out with his friends for lunch and do a few other activities. Mike told Carmen that they were going downtown in the afternoon to hang out. Mike started driving South into Georgia, and they ended up at Blessing Creek Farms; a place they had been once before. Once they got there, Carmen noticed there were pictures of her and Mike hanging up. At that moment she knew he was about to propose. They walked out into the field alongside Carmen’s favorite animal; Highland Cows. After a few minutes of petting the cows, Mike got down on one knee and proposed. Then afterwards, Carmen noticed their families were there watching. After having a photoshoot together, Mike took Carmen to Chick-fil-A for a snack, and she thought they would be going home to spend time with his family. Mike blindfolded Carmen and brought her to a surprise party with their closest friends and family! It was the best day!