One chilly Winter night, Kate and her friends decided to go out for a typical "Guitar Dudes" Wednesday at McMurphy's Uptown Tavern. Michael was meeting up with a few friends, and while he was waiting on the line to get into McMurphy's, he spotted his friend Kellis- who happened to be with Kate that night. He was introduced to Kate and from that moment, Michael knew he wanted to see her again. He spent the next month trying to coordinate with Kellis when they could all "bump" into each other again, all while Kellis was simultaneously raving about Michael to Kate. After constantly hearing how smart, kind, and fun he was, Kate quickly became very intimidated by this amazing dude. When they did finally did run into each other again, Kate tried to play it WAY too cool. So much so that when Michael asked if she had been looking forward to running into him again, she answered with a quick "No!". He understandably ran away as fast as he could, and thought it was time to give up. Until..... It was April 1st, and everyone was back at McMurphy's. Kate had spotted Michael from across the bar, and knew this was her chance to right her wrong. Little did she know he had spotted her as well, which later explained the shot she watched him take by himself before quickly appearing by her side moments later. They spent the rest of the night talking and getting to know each other in the crowded bar crammed between an ATM machine and the line for the bathroom. With only minutes left until the last bus home was departing, Michael panic purchased Kate a drink that she couldn't finish, asked for her phone number that she handed right over, and gave her a quick kiss goodbye on the hand. From that day on, Kate has still owed Michael for that drink, and they have not stopped talking ever since.

Back in Amherst for the weekend five years later, this time with a hidden agenda. In celebration of their anniversary, they decided to take a trip up to their old stomping grounds just the two of them...or so Kate thought. While Kate had a hunch something was up, and came prepared with a fresh manicure just incase, she had no idea what was really in store. Michael had brought up the idea to visit the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, an old bridge that had been repurposed into a beautiful garden. Kate had never been, and was easily convinced. Upon arrival to Shelburne Falls, they first stopped into a coffee shop to quench Kate's iced coffee addiction, and also so Michael could secretly sneak into the bathroom to splash water on his face in order to ease the small panic attack he was having. Iced coffee in hand, they crossed the street and headed onto the bridge. No more than five steps in, Michael quickly suggested they "pop a squat" on the first bench they saw to seemingly enjoy the beautiful day, when in reality, Michael had lost all ability to use his legs. Michael then took a quick panicked selfie of the two of them, turned to Kate, took her hands, and said "I have to tell you something." While it was an interesting choice of words to start with, Kate quickly realized what was happening, and next thing she knew she was sticking her left hand out while Michael was still speaking and waited patiently for him to put the ring on her finger after an excited "Yes!". The rest of the day was to be spent in town celebrating and they headed to Stackers Pub in town. After ordering their drinks, they headed to the back patio where the whole Crimmins/Iannetta family was secretly waiting and the real celebration began!