We met the way all great love stories begin — at a medical school party after a particularly soul-crushing exam. I was exhausted, slightly delirious, and fully committed to celebrating my survival. The moment I walked in, I spotted Michael across the room. He gave me the biggest wave and an even bigger smile. It happened to be my friend’s birthday, and there was chocolate cake — which, let’s be honest, was my real priority. I really wanted a slice, but didn’t want to be that person eating dessert while everyone else was dancing and sipping drinks. So I asked Michael if he wanted a slice as well. I later found out, Michael thought I was flirting, and he later found out I only asked because I just did not want to eat cake alone. He said yes, we split a slice, and sat down to talk. Little did he know — that piece of cake was the first of many sweet moments we’d share. Now, 2 years later, I’m so thankful I found someone who will always say yes to cake… and who I get to love (and snack with) for the rest of my life. 💕

It was right after Thanksgiving break — we had both come back to campus a few days early, determined to get ahead on studying for an upcoming (and totally overwhelming) med school exam. We met up to review material, fully expecting a few hours of flashcards, mnemonics, and caffeine-fueled focus. But after a while, I looked at him and asked, “Do you want to grab dinner?” We decided on Mexican food — simple, easy, and exactly what we needed. What was supposed to be just a study break turned into something more. Between bites of tacos and guac, we really started getting to know each other. No pressure, no pretense — just two people connecting over good food and good conversation. After dinner, we headed to his apartment and ended up talking for hours. No distractions, no awkward pauses — just a calm, genuine, effortless conversation that stretched late into the night. That night, something clicked. It was the first time I realized: I could talk to this person forever.

By the time Michael proposed, I knew it was coming. We had been talking about it for months, and I could sense something was in the works. One day, he told me he was going to the fish tank store with his dad — but very clearly said I was not allowed to come. Suspicious? Just a little. Especially since I happen to have his location on my phone... and saw he was at the jewelry store. When he came home, I couldn’t help myself. I asked, “So… did you find a fish tank?” He just gave me the cutest, most mischievous smile and said, “Yep.” Smooth, Michael. Very smooth. A few days later, we headed back to West Virginia for New Year’s Eve, and I knew this had to be it. My suspicions were basically confirmed when, while unpacking the car, Michael accidentally handed me the jewelry cleaner he had purchased along with the ring (subtle, right?). We had dinner reservations at our favorite restaurant that night, so I assumed that’s when it would happen. I spent the whole day obsessing over my nails, repainting them a million times — just in case. Michael noticed my anxious spiral, so instead of waiting for dinner, he decided to catch me off guard. A few hours before we were supposed to go out — while we were just outside, soaking up the sunshine — he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was sweet, simple, completely surprising, absolutely perfect, and of course, I said yes! 💕