Our Story

Continued...

(because Zola cut us off)

But in 2018, one of Mari's colleagues suggested she return to November Project - an extrovert-heavy workout group on the Art Museum steps that she had stopped attending years earlier. Mari reluctantly dragged herself to a workout in January. Michael was there and spotted her, having never forgotten her sporty appearance and demeanor. After a few workouts, he went to her and said "hey, I remember you!" She instantly remembered his smile. He'd soon become her favorite November Project extrovert. Mari wanted a way to talk to him, so she sent him a work email (addressed to "Mike"... whoops!) inviting him to another training. He couldn't go because of ultimate, of course. They exchanged a bunch of "work" emails before moving to personal email, and finally...two years after first meeting, they exchanged phone numbers. For their first date, Mari was annoyed that Michael didn't want to go get a coffee or a drink (quickly learning he considers both of these things poison). So they shared a cheese board and took a walk to the Art Museum steps and along Boathouse Row. After 8 years (6 as a couple) and countless miles run, mountains hiked, adventures abroad, and a global pandemic together, they can't wait to celebrate their wedding and share some of their favorite parts of Philadelphia with friends and family!