In early 2018, Michael and Cristina matched on a dating app and met up for their first date at a local bar. They almost missed each other and Cristina was getting ready to leave when Michael finally spotted her and they started talking. They started bonding over a shared love of travel, wine, and hiking. Initially, neither one was looking for a serious relationship, but soon enough casual dating turned into spending more and more time together, then baseball games (even though Michael is a lifelong Yankees fan and Cristina is a fanatic for the Giants), then road trips, and then eventually blossomed into an official relationship on Aug. 9 2019 (5 years exactly before our wedding date). When the pandemic hit in 2020 and everyone was told to spend two weeks at home in lockdown, Michael decided to ride out the quarantine with Cristina at her family's house instead of with his roommates at the time. This turned out to be a great decision as the two weeks turned into several months and then into over a year and a half. During this time, their love deepened, they spent their time watching movies, made an effort to continue their road trips and visit as many national parks as they could, made the first addition to their family by adopting their adorable Maltipoo Mo, and keeping each other's spirits high through the lockdown. As their love continued to grow, they spent more time with each other's families, tagging along for vacations to Tahoe, Hawaii, New Orleans and Canada, among others, creating new memories and strengthening the bonds between them. They decided to grow their family yet again, and soon they were expecting their first child, a girl who they would name Isabella. While on a trip to Bermuda for their baby moon, Michael surprised Cristina during a hike to a secluded swimming hole by getting on one knee and proposing. To his absolute delight, she said yes! Soon after, the child they were expecting made an unexpected early entrance, and Isabella joined the family! Michael and Cristina have been there for each other through hard times , such as job changes, funerals, family emergencies, the passing of pets, and a lengthy stay in the NICU, sometimes separated across the country. They have also been through amazing moments of joy and beauty, making new friends through each other, visiting some of the most beautiful places in the world, learning about their different cultures and backgrounds through each other, and of course, becoming parents to their beautiful and incredible baby girl. They are looking forward to continuing their adventures together for the rest of their lives and consider themselves lucky to have such a great group of friends and family to be with them to share in their special day, whether you are able to join us in person or only in spirit!