Though Michael and Talene’s lives ran on surprisingly similar tracks, both the youngest of three, raised in Catholic schools, and growing up playing competitive sports, their paths didn’t cross until just three years ago. Talene played collegiate soccer at Northwood University, while Michael cheered on his Spartans at Michigan State. Life kept them busy in different corners of Michigan, but fate (and a very cute dog) had other plans. It all started with a dog. While on a family trip to Marco Island, Talene stumbled upon a photo of Michael’s black lab, Samantha, on Instagram. One look at that sweet pup, and she couldn’t help but send Michael a message. (There was a little confusion at first… but that’s a story for another time.) That one message turned into a conversation, and that conversation turned into a connection they never saw coming. Not long after, Michael worked up the nerve to ask Talene to dinner and from that first date on, their story officially began. Since then, even while working on opposite sides of Michigan, their weekends have rarely been spent apart. Whether it’s boat days, ski trips up north, movie nights in Birmingham, or quality time with friends and family, they’ve built a life full of laughter, adventure, and love. The Dearborn Inn holds a special place in their hearts, not only as the site of their wedding, but because it’s also where Talene’s parents and her Thea Stephanie and Uncle Richard both celebrated their own weddings. They feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by the people they love most as they carry on this family tradition and begin their next chapter together.