Michael and Anna met the way many couples meet these days - through Hinge, an online dating app. Anna was temporarily living with her sister in Castle Rock while she was awaiting the shipment of her household goods from Germany and Michael was living in an apartment in Colorado Springs. They decided to meet up for the first time at Pikes Peak Brewery in Monument, halfway between their two locations. While they each had a beer and Michael tried a not so good Thai peanut sandwich, they had an instant connection. Both Anna and Michael left this date feeling good about the possibility that this may be a true match.

After much discussion about their future, Michael and Anna decided they wanted to take the next step in their relationship. On Christmas Eve 2024, Michael slipped an engagement ring in Anna's stocking. This was extra special for Anna because Christmas time is her favorite time of year. They got to share in this joy with Anna's sister and brother in law.

Anna had the honor of getting accepted into the Air Force AFIT program for the fall of 2025, in which she will pursue her Social Work PhD at Colorado State University. Michael and Anna will be moving to Fort Collins, CO in August 2025 as Anna anticipates the start of her program.