Here's the spicy scoop on Scott and Michelle. The tale begins in 2010, sophomore year at UNCW, tucked within the picturesque charm of Wilmington, NC. Michelle moved in next to Scott in the UNCW Campus Apartments. As "building mates" the two took interest in group movie nights and Michelle's inexperience with good television. It was November of 2010, Michelle's 19th Birthday that the two decided to "go out on a date". Armed with a single red rose from Harris Teeter, Scott picked Michelle up from next door and drove her up the road to the Outback Steakhouse. Michelle was unaware of Scott's frugal nature, and the fact that he had a coupon. Scott was upset that the waitress forgot to apply the coupon to the bill, and he didn't want to appear cheap, so he paid the full bill anyway. This is what we remember about our first date. 😂 Moonlit gabfests, shared secret giggles, and an endless parade of yummy bites wove the fabric of their friendship - proof that when you put two heads together, the power of one plus one equals eleven. Venturing into the sometimes choppy waters of adulthood, Scott and Michelle found their most steadfast support system in one another. Against the wild gusts of reality, their bond stood strong, transforming into an anchor in the storm and a lighthouse in the fog. Weathering job anxieties, paying bills or picking the best Netflix series, their alliance was the magic potion they each needed, a friendship forged not just in the sunny beach days, but in the crucible of life’s tests. Together, they discovered that navigating life's tide was less about the storm and more about the shipmates you have by your side. Scott and Michelle are setting sail on a journey of love, and you're their chosen crew! Grab your glad rags and join the adventure in scenic Banner Elk, where every laugh, every tear, every cheer, will add a vibrant hue to their love story.

It was an ordinary day, December 30th, 2022. A chill ran through the air, a reminder of the departing year. Scott had driven all the way to Wilmington that day, returning with something that would forever change their lives. Concealed within his pocket was THE engagement ring. His heart pounded like a wild drum, excitement and anticipation seeping through every pore. As Scott parked the car in their driveway, he took a moment to breathe and gather his nerves. He knew Michelle was tired from her last workday of the year, and he wanted to create the perfect moment. He entered their home via the garage, a functional space now turned accomplice to his romantic ploy. Scott discovered an old jewelry box of Michelle's nestled amidst a collection of forgotten items. This vintage treasure would serve as the "lure". Unaware of the impending twist to their love story, Michelle made herself at home on the couch, her eyes heavy with fatigue from her demanding workday. Scott's heart thrummed with the intensity of the moment, making it seem like time was slowing down. He warmly greeted Michelle before returning to the garage to retrieve the strategically placed box. His seemingly innocent inquiry about the box's contents served dual purposes - an invitation for Michelle to sort through the items or a proposal to donate everything to goodwill. Tired from her long day, the prospect of rummaging through a box of discarded items didn't particularly appeal to Michelle. However, the sight of the jewelry box on top kindled her curiosity. "What's inside?" she inquired, her interest piqued. A smile tugged at Scott's lips, his eyes brimming with barely contained excitement. "Open it up and find out," he urged. As he went down on one knee, the atmosphere in the room changed perceptibly. CJ looked on in wonder. Michelle, caught by surprise, looked at him, her eyes wide with realization. Scott was swallowed by a swell of emotions. A mere eight seconds felt like a lifetime before he mustered the courage to articulate the words he'd been longing to say for 13 years, "Will you marry me?" Michelle would later playfully assert that it was closer to two minutes. Although she had anticipated the question, the reality of it filled her with an unexpected, intensely beautiful joy. Her eyes glistening with tears of pure happiness, she replied, “Yes.” A sigh of relief escaped Scott's lips, “Whew.” Just like that, as the calendar was on the brink of flipping to a new year, their love story too turned a page. And so, they welcomed 2023, their hearts ablaze with the thrilling news of their engagement. The grandeur of their love story was not in the pomp and show, but in the shared glances, the understanding smiles, and the simplicity of a good ol’ fashioned living room proposal.