Michael and Cindy met in their first weekend as freshmen at Franklin and Marshall College during an outdoor lunch. Cindy wanted to meet people that she got along with better than her hall-mates, and so when Michael walked past, deep in discussion with (now friend) Katie, talking about something that Cindy enjoyed, she jumped up and interrupted their conversation. The three of them talked for most of the afternoon and intended to meet up again for a performance that night, but Cindy and Katie never found Michael in the crowd. Two weeks passed, and Cindy ran into Michael at the dining hall and invited him to sit with her and her friend Anthony. They hung out with friends, until Katie realized that Cindy had a crush on Michael, and found excuses for Cindy to hang around him more. Michael began walking Cindy back to her dorm after events, and they ended up talking for hours at a time. On October 9, after a Friday night of Hillel, followed by stand-up comedy in the college center, and milkshakes at Ben’s Underground with friends, Michael walked Cindy back to her dorm and they talked until Michael surprised Cindy by asking her out. Over the next four years, Michael and Cindy didn’t go on many traditional “dates” so much as they did their normal, fun activities, while supporting and cheering each other on.

After F&M, they moved to Pittsburgh together, and started making a life in the City of Steel. This January, Michael suggested that they go to Phipps Conservatory to see their holiday light show. They walked the gardens outside until coming under the archway of lights, Cindy’s favorite place from previous years. They helped another couple take pictures, and Michael waited until the other couple had left before getting down on one knee in the dusting of snow. Cindy was completely surprised and yelled, “OF COURSE!!!!” and pulled Michael up for a hug. We’re grateful to have so many amazing people in our lives, and can’t wait to celebrate this step in our journey with you on August 10, 2019.