The Future Strands

Our story begins on an August afternoon on the MSU campus at a running club practice. It was the first week of classes, and Michael had been invited to run with Annie, a friend from third floor South Hedges. Marcella, also attending for the first time, immediately attached herself to Annie. This may have had something to do with the fact that Annie was the only other woman present. Annie and Marcella (and Michael) spent each practice that week getting to know each other. While Annie and Marcella hit it off, Michael spent much of that week listening rather than talking. As it turns out, all three were enrolled in the Honors College, and went up into Hyalite Canyon for the annual Honors Hike and Read weekend. There was already a friend group forming between Colter, Annie, Allyson, and Michael, but Marcella made fast friends and became an indispensable member of the team. It was on this weekend that Marcella first recognized something in Michael. Over the next three semesters, Marcella and Michael each made an attempt at dating the other. While these didn’t lead initially to a dating relationship, their friendship grew. It was fall semester, junior year. Marcella, studying for her fluid mechanics exam, somehow couldn't manage to keep her mind on the Bernoulli Equation. At this point, anything more than a good friendship with Michael seemed out of the question. Michael had come to the same conclusion. But, Marcella became convinced that she had to give it one more shot before heading home for the Christmas break. During a party at the Hobbit Hole (Marcella’s apartment), Michael and Marcella decided to give themselves a chance at something more. Two years and seven months later, Michael and Marcella will be united in faith, hope, and love. We cannot wait for you to join us in our celebration.