June 26, 2026

Michael moved to West Chester, PA in 2018, with Courtney not too long after in 2019. Living less than a mile and a half from one another, they didn't meet until 2021. On a rainy Wednesday night they closed down a now favorite spot for them, Limoncello, in the heart of West Chester. As the last ones in the restaurant they were politely kicked out, having talked and talked so long that they didn't even receive their complimentary limoncello shots, to which they still joke about to this day. Courtney had a flight to catch to Colorado the next morning, but even before their first date they had already planned their next couple, so they would see each other again soon. They've returned to both Limoncello and West Chester on countless occasions including celebrations, nights out with friends, anniversaries, and plenty of dates together. West Chester holds many great memories for them, and many yet still to come.

Michael and Courtney spent the early winter months of 2023 ring shopping, visiting plenty of stores and narrowing down some choices. With the blessing of creative freedom from Courtney, Michael set about planning both the ring and the proposal in secret. The only clue Courtney was afforded was that the proposal would come within the next 6-9 months. Over the next two month's Michael used the cover of his MBA classes at Temple to escape to Jeweler's Row in Philly, designing the engagement ring, selecting the stones, and eventually shipping it to his mom's house in DE for safekeeping. Along with this, Michael worked on the private proposal that was to take place on their couple's trip at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. Courtney was aware of the trip, and suspicious, but ultimately convinced herself that the trip they'd planned even before ring shopping was just a simple trip, not the secret proposal it was to be. Working with hotel staff, Michael arranged every aspect of the trip in an attempt to remain unsuspicious, even convincing Courtney he needed her help in picking their activities for each day. After a nervous international trip with the ring in his backpack, Michael waited until their second day on resort to propose. After horseback riding in the morning, an afternoon lounge on the private beach, the two made their way back to their hotel room where roses, champagne, and the surprise awaited. Courtney, thinking they walked into the wrong room, immediately turned around to Michael down on one knee. With kissing and happy tears, the two spent the rest of their trip in complete bliss. Casa de Campo and that trip will always have a special place in their hearts.