M ❤ N

Nan and Michelle first met through their mutual friends. There was an event where Nan saw Michelle dancing and thereafter he knew he had to get that girls number. He approached Michelle and awkwardly said "Hi im Nan!" and asked for her number. Although seemingly organic, their friends were hard at work behind the scenes trying to set them up together. Nan needed a date to his fraternity formal and Michelle had just joined her sorority. Both Nan and Michelle weren't sure if they wanted to pursue a long term relationship, but after attending the formal together, they could feel the sparks dancing.

After the formal, Nan and Michelle continued to hang out. They were still on the talking stage and still wanted to get to know each other more. This was around final’s time, and they would often hang out and study. As they grew closer, Nan showed more of his goofy side and they would often make each other laugh. Nan’s friends advocated for him and the most repeated thing was that Nan was an avid gym rat. He would work out every day and sometimes even twice a day! Michelle’s first impression of Nan was that he was a reserved, sweet, and caring guy. He would often take care of his friends and her during formal and hang outs. Nan’s first impression of Michelle was that she was beautiful, caring, and fun. Nan didn’t smile often but he would smile the most when he was with Michelle.

As their feelings for each grew, so did their relationship. It was the summer after their freshman year, and Nan went back home to Illinois. Nan missed Michelle so much he decided to take a trip to Michigan and visit her. Michelle was truly the boss lady in the relationship and through text had asked Nan why he hasn’t asked her out. Nan, being very clueless, jumped into action. During this trip, Nan took Michelle to Black Cat Bistro in East Lansing and asked her to be exclusive. This was the official start to their lives together. One year in and Michelle already knew she loved him.

Fast forward 3 years, Nan and Michelle dated throughout college. They navigated the ups and downs of balancing college life and a relationship. From tailgates, study sessions, end of semester parties, formals, and many more events, they never left each other’s side. As time grew, so did their relationship. Nan knew early on that this was the girl he was going to marry. Their biggest challenge though was yet to come. After graduating, Nan and Michelle had to do long distance. Nan moved back to Illinois for his job and Michelle stayed in Lansing for hers. Nan would often make the long trek to Mi to see Michelle but they knew that this needed to be temporary. They made the tough decision to move together to Chicago.

After two years of long distance, Nan and Michelle moved to the bustling city of Chicago. A bit unfortunate as shortly after, the pandemic started. This forced Michelle and Nan to spend a lot of time together. The extended period together definitely tested their patience. After navigating this difficult time together, it helped their relationship grow stronger. When the pandemic was finally over, they were able to truly experience the beauty of Chicago. They moved to a different apartment in the city and tried to experience as much as possible in the city.

After almost 9 years of dating, Nan knew that he had to lock it down. They were both living together in Chicago and both ready to move to the next step of their relationship. Nan began saving for a ring and started hatching the perfect plan to propose. The initial plan was to propose in Chicago with family and friends around, but the logistics were too tough. During this time Michelle had brought up the idea of taking a trip together. Nan and Michelle found a cabin retreating near Starved Rock in Illinois and Nan knew this would be the perfect time and place. He set everything up and asked all her siblings and parents one by one for approval. Nan was able to keep everything a surprise and Michelle had no idea. The proposal happened after Nan and Michelle spent the day hiking in starved rock. Nan said he knew a spot for waterfalls and took them both there. Once there, Nan had a photographer waiting and pretended to ask someone to help them take a picture. Nan pretended to pose and while Michelle had her back turned, got down on one knee and asked Michelle to spend the rest of her life with him. Michelle, completely caught by surprise, said yes. The easiest decision of her life to make!