Michael and Natalie met in kindergarten at St. Mary's Central Grade School where they became very close friends by 8th grade. Rumor has it, they even dated for a few months in 7th grade. After attending different high schools and colleges, they remained friends but saw less of each other and only spoke on occasion. Growing up, Michael always had a crush on Natalie, but was too shy to make it known to her. Not to worry, Michael’s friends and family revealed his love for her on many occasions. As fate would have it, Michael was finishing his doctorate in physical therapy just as Natalie managed to tear her ACL, MCL, and meniscus. What was at first a terrible situation eventually became a blessing in disguise, making the cliche saying, “Everything happens for a reason,” suddenly seem surprisingly accurate. The injury provided Michael a reason to message Natalie out of the blue. Eventually, an old friendship was rekindled and a beautiful relationship blossomed. And finally, as an adult, Michael found the courage to tell Natalie what he had always wanted to tell her. He took her to a tree behind his parents’ house where he secretly carved their initials “M+N” into a tree when he was only 12 years old. And, for the first time ever, Michael told Natalie, “I loved you then, and I love you now.”

On May 25, 2018, Michael proposed to Natalie in the most unique, thoughtful, and well-designed plan imaginable. He incorporated their interests of escape rooms and scavenger hunts, both of their families, and many memorable pictures and words. Using heartfelt clues and locked wooden boxes, Natalie read each laminated letter and determined the code to unlock each box. Traveling from one memorable location to another, escorted by her best friend and family members, Natalie awaited what she knew by now would be a proposal by the love of her life. The scavenger hunt began at Natalie's parents where she found the first lock box, roses, and a letter on the front porch. Katie drove her to the next location which she determined from the clue. Upon arrival near the next location, an ATV equipped with loud speakers playing their favorite love songs awaited. Michael's brother Zach provided escort to the tree where Michael carved their initials and first said "I love you". From there, Natalie traveled via pick up truck, also equipped with a pre-planned soundtrack, to Rory's house (their niece). Rory, dawning a flower girl dress, held roses and the next lock box in her arms as she sweetly greeted her future aunt. Inside the box was the final clue to the last location, a winery where Michael and Natalie had been on a few dates. Nervously arriving at the final spot, Natalie was greeted by both sets of parents who each gave her a rose. After some tears, Natalie entered the winery. As she opened the door to a quiet, empty winery, the song "Perfect" began filling the room. Natalie looked up to see her best friend singing their song and Michael holding the last of a dozen roses. She emotionally walked to the stage where Michael was standing. He handed her the final lock box, the ring box. She unlocked the box with the date (05.25). From there, Michael took the ring out of the box, got down on one knee, and promised to love Natalie for the rest of his life. Oh, and she said YES!