Michael and Rachel met ten years ago at Lake Zurich High School. Michael was a junior and Rachel was a freshman when he first laid eyes on her during passing periods from across the cafeteria. Turns out they were in the same gym class period and not surprisingly, Michael tried showing off his athleticism to get Rachel’s attention, based on the next sentence, it worked!! The two went to the Turnabout dance together in 2009 and though they did not officially start dating, they remained close friends year after year, through the remainder of high school and first part of college. In the early summer of 2015, Rachel and Michael ran into each other at a bar in Lake Zurich, and the rest is history. The two maintained their long-distance relationship as Michael played college golf and studied Finance at Valdosta State University, while Rachel partied it up in the SEC with her sorority sisters and studied Psychology at the University of Kentucky. Over the last five years, the two have experienced new jobs, new homes, golf, travel and lots of belly laughs. They reside in the West Loop, while both working in the insurance industry. This past November, Michael and Rachel planned a trip to Kiawah Island, South Carolina, where Michael and his family used to vacation often, and it holds a special meaning to him. It was on this trip that Michael popped the question to Rachel at the Ryder Cup Bar just off the 18th green of the Ocean Course. From the location, to the sunset, to the planning, everything about this day was perfect and full of all of Rachel’s “favorites;” a sunrise beach run, breakfast, laying by the pool and enjoying a glass of chardonnay. The two are headed back to South Carolina to officially tie the knot, join Rachel and Michael in this exciting season!