In 2017, Michael was working a summer job at Par King Skill Golf in Lincolnshire, IL. He happened to work with one of Halie's friends from high school, who would send her pictures of Michael on Snapchat. Halie had to know who this tall, tan boy was, even though he wore his khaki shorts too short and socks too high. One night, Halie and her friends went to Par King while Michael was working. He came up to Halie and saw she was wearing a Vanderbilt tank top and said "Oh you're smart, nevermind!" and walked away. Halie thought that was the end of it. However, when Halie finished her round of mini golf Michael approached her again and said, "You can have my number if you want it." Of course Halie did NOT take his number because she did not want to have to be the one to text first! She said no, so Michael finally asked for her number. He promised to text her right at 10:00 when he was done working. Halie's friends all thought it was a joke, but as promised Halie received a text from Michael right at 10:00 that night. Halie and Michael went on their first date to Lake Forest beach 4 days later and talked nonstop for hours as if they had known each other forever. Halie didn't dress up, do her hair, or wear any make up on their first date because she just felt that comfortable with Michael already. They hung out again the next day, and have been "hanging out" ever since. After over 7 years of dating, Michael surprised Halie and finally proposed on October 19, 2024 at the Chicago Botanic Garden in the English Walled Garden!