We are so grateful to have been granted permission to marry May 2 this past spring. Because of guest restrictions, only our parents, photographer and sponsor couple joined us in the pews, with other family standing-by in the parking lot. We are very much looking forward to renewing our vows this fall and popping champagne and celebrating with you all at the Willows. See you on Halloween!

For years Michelle dreamt about SCUBA certification. Following Shark Week 2018, she researched local companies that would help check off this bucket list item. Bottoms Up was the most reputable organization in the area. After the first weekend with them it was obvious they would provide a lot more than Open Water certification. Although Dean hadn’t been instructing for months, he felt compelled to join the team that morning to keep up on his skills. He was working full-time construction and didn’t have much time off, so giving up a weekend to teach was a rarity. Weeks of home study and preparation led Michelle to Thatcher Park on August 11. When Dean arrived just minutes later, he greeted the instructors and reviewed the day and plans for class. He recalls noticing Michelle almost immediately and was wowed by how beautiful she was, but he kept his distance because he thought she was dating one of the other students. Michelle found Dean annoying - because she was attempting her final SCUBA exam and his chit-chat was distracting. After acing her exam, the group transitioned to the pool. Dean selected his students and intentionally left out Michelle. Dean’s dad insisted she belong in Dean’s group because she asked way too many questions and he could handle her best. Throughout the morning, her questions made Dean wonder if she was heckling him – his response was to answer with sarcastic and quick-witted remarks. This back-and-forth, question-and-answer tactic carried on into the quarry session that afternoon. Dean quickly learned Michelle was single, and his quick-witted responses turned to flirting, jokes and laughter. Both felt comfortable and at ease in the presence of the other. After hours in the water, Michelle was wooed by Dean’s teaching ability and professionalism. Before she left for the day, Dean conquered up the courage to ask for her number, and as they say…the rest is history.