The year 2020 started off with promise. Kate had just returned back from Dublin, Ireland where she had spent the past 9 months living, working and traveling the world. Mike had rang in the New Year with 25,000 of his closest friends at the sold-out annual Phish concert at Madison Square Garden. While each were happy with their individual lives - there was something missing. To fill that void, they turned to the tried-and-true OG of online dating, Match.com. All it took was one “like” and a few messages to set a date for dinner. On February 12th, 2020, a chilly Wednesday night at 7:30pm, they both walked into Alcove a bit nervous, a tad cautious and completely unknowing of what union would be walking out of Alcove later that night. From then on, they truly never left each other’s side. Shortly after their first date, the world slowed to a stop and people were encouraged to stay home. Kate and Mike used the time in quarantine to strengthen their bond, grow closer to one another, and to fall deeply in love.

Just 8 months after their first date, Kate and Mike spent his birthday weekend at The Cliff House in Cape Neddick, ME. Mike’s parents Mary and Phil were also there and Mike’s brother and sister-in-law would be joining the family for a special dinner in the Painter’s Shed at Earth at Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport that Saturday night. Fresh out of the spa, Kate was relaxed and unknowing of how her life would change that evening. Upon arriving at Earth, our party of 6 was told that the Painter’s Shed was not yet ready and the host suggested we explore the beautiful grounds. Unbenounced to Kate, this was all prearranged. Mike led her to the edge of the pond and suggested they take a walk along the grassy knoll. Kate being someone that is known for her impractical footwear scoffed at the idea and glanced back at his family in disbelief that she would want to trudge through the mud in heels. But when she glanced back at them, they were a distance behind, standing with their cameras at the ready and smiling tearfully. In an instant Kate knew what was happening and gladly walked in her heels through the grass, hand in hand with him. On October 24, 2020 Mike asked Kate to marry him.