Our story truly begins on November 3, 2017. It was a chilly, early fall Friday evening in New York City and Dan was visiting his favorite local Italian restaurant, Harry’s, for a carb loaded feast in preparation to run that Sunday’s 2017 NYC Marathon. While eating quietly at the bar by himself, a total stranger named Ashley Collins struck up a friendly conversation with Dan, asking him about his meal and if he had any recommendations for menu items that she could order to take home to her husband, Dave. Before leaving the restaurant later that evening, Ashley returned to say goodbye to Dan and to ask a simple, yet very important question, “Are you single?,” she said. “If yes, I have an amazing friend named Michelle that I think you need to meet!” A few weeks later, on November 27, 2017, we had our first date @ Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs in Tribeca and the rest is history.

On a beautiful late December afternoon, just a few days prior to Christmas 2020, we ventured out for a stroll through SoHo to finish up last minute holiday shopping. Little did Michelle know that Dan had a ring in his pocket and a plan in place. While making the return walk south on Broadway, Dan received a planned phone call from our close friend, Casey Pratt, who pretended to ask a favor that would require us both to turn around and head back uptown. After some convincing, Michelle agreed, and Dan then strategically navigated the uptown walk to ensure that we would pass by the exact location where we each laid eyes on one another for the very first time on 11.27.17…right in front of Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs. When we arrived minutes later, Dan dropped to one knee, Michelle exclaimed “YES!” and we were engaged! We're so thrilled to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you on 8.12.22!