One April night in Columbia, SC, Claire and Michael found each other on Tinder and kick-started their forever. After a couple of dates and a summer spent apart, Claire and Michael became official on August 22, 2018. Being with one another felt more natural than breathing, and when Claire moved to Charleston to pursue her Master’s degree, the couple knew that the distance between Columbia and Charleston was nothing compared to their love for one another. But eventually, Claire and Michael grew tired of only seeing each other on weekends, and were finally able to move in together when Michael joined Claire to the Lowcountry in May, 2022. Michael, who by March, 2024 had known for several years that Claire was the perfect woman to spend his life with, began meeting with jewelers and looking at rings, finally choosing one he knew fit Claire’s style (thanks to some helpful hints provided along the way). On a sunny, breezy fall evening, Michael took Claire to Isle of Palms beach, just minutes from their apartment, and after a short walk on the sand, Michael got down on one knee and asked Claire for forever. Claire, of course, said YES!, and the couple began their engagement on October 11, 2024. Through life’s ups and downs and twists and turns, Claire and Michael’s love for one another never faded, but continually strengthened and grew as they lifted one another through whatever challenge life laid before them. It is this love that Claire and Michael are so excited to share and celebrate with you all when they finally get to say “I Do!”