The first time we ever saw each other was while one of my best friends (Simone Green) was on FaceTime with Michael’s brother (Matt) in my kitchen during first semester of college during Sophomore year. When people ask me if I can tell Matt and Michael apart, I am always shocked because of course I can. I know this for sure because I completely looked past Matt on that FaceTime call to point out how cute Michael was. This was then followed up by Simone as, “That’s my ex boyfriend”. So trying to be a good friend I proceeded to tell her “never mind” and kept moving along. Little did I know that Michael did not do the same thing and asked for my number. I’d like to say the rest was history but the first time I met him, I gave him a presentation on why I hated men (I was in my self growth era). He wasn’t scared though and we began hanging out very frequently because it was Christmas break and we were both busy, student-athletes. After a blissful Christmas break getting to know each other, having my family sing to him for his birthday in a Hellen Keller cookie created by my siblings and spending New Years with his family, the time came for him to go back to Indiana. I cried (so embarrassing) and we promised to see each other before the end of the month (I ended driving there the following weekend). Fast forward to today, I am so thankful for the love and growth we have shared in so many different phases of our lives and for the family I am gaining as we share our vows and begin the rest of our lives together.

Now that you are reading this, I am sure that you have already read Lexi’s version. What she doesn’t fully explain is the time we spent during Christmas break. I would have never imagined spending my 20th birthday, meeting a family and having them singing happy birthday to me in Hellen Keller’s mouth (a Christmas cookie). Now for most people, that would be enough to run and never look back. I guess I am weird enough to think it was the funniest thing in the world! We spent a lot of time together over Christmas break getting to know each other more and finding any reason we could possibly think of to be with near one another. Looking back I will always be thankful of the Hellen Keller cookie that showed me a glimpse of the future. I am blessed beyond belief of the family I am going to gain, and the most beautiful, kind, spontaneous, and hilarious woman that I am marrying .