In late August 2018 Michael and Lindsay both swiped right. They started messaging on bumble and Michael immediately asked Lindsay to meet him for a drink at one of their favorite bars/restaurants, the beloved Joe’s Inn. They met for a drink and were both interested in getting to know each other more. Their next couple of dates were all at other Richmond favorites like Foo Dog, Sub Rosa, Asado, Circuit Barcade, and of course the beautiful James River. Michael and Lindsay continued to get to know each other while enjoying so much of the city they both love. When they had been dating for a little over a month, Lindsay was in her last year of teaching high school math. Michael convinced Lindsay to take a much needed day off of work to go explore the mountains with him. They drove to Skyline Drive and hiked the loop at Blackrock Summit which both started and ended with an incredible view of the Blue Ridge Mountains draped in autumnal beauty. For two more years Michael and Lindsay continued to explore their city, visit Joe’s Inn frequently, hike many other trails on many other mountains, and grow closer together in Christ and in Love.

On October 10th, 2020 it was raining. Michael and Lindsay had made plans to go hiking, Lindsay suggested they maybe stay home due to the rain but Michael was adamant that they go. It was month 8 of quarantine and it was a chance to get out of the house, what else were they doing that day? Easily convinced, they set off for Skyline Drive. Due to the rain, they decided to go back to Blackrock Summit, since the beautiful view was just a half mile from the parking lot. When they parked, Lindsay was changing into her hiking boots when Michael realized he had forgotten his own… Lindsay gave him a hard time, how could he have forgotten his hiking shoes? He only had the one thing to remember to bring. They made their way up the short trail to the summit, Michael in his sandals, and the rain stopped briefly, as if the sky had stopped just for them and their short hike to the top. They arrived at the top and took in the view. They wandered over to a more secluded area, where they had stopped and had snacks at the end of their hike there almost 2 years prior. Lindsay was busy taking pictures of the beautiful view when she turned around to find Michael down on one knee. Michael asked her to marry him, and she said yes! The fact that Michael had forgotten his shoes made a lot more sense now… he had a little bit more than shoes on his mind that day! Michael and Lindsay are so thrilled to celebrate their upcoming marriage with all of the people they love on May 30th, 2021.