Michelle and Philip were introduced in May of 2022 by their mutual connection, Amber Rich (the older sister of Billi Biggs, one of Michelle’s close friends). At the time, Michelle had just moved back to the East Coast after several years living in Arizona and Utah. She relocated to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, while Philip was living in Danbury, Connecticut — about four hours apart once you factored in the ferry. After exchanging phone numbers, they started talking and quickly realized they liked each other. A first date was set for 4th of July weekend on Martha’s Vineyard. Philip claims he fell in love with Michelle that weekend. People had always told him, “when you know, you know.” Well… he knew. They continued dating and began collecting memories together, surrounded by longtime friends and many new ones they’ve made along the way. For the next year they made long distance work while Philip continued working at Danbury Hospital and Michelle continued her work in Massachusetts as a travel physical therapist. In July 2023, Philip left his job in Connecticut and the two set off together on a new adventure, living and working in Martha’s Vineyard, New Hampshire, Colorado, and Arizona. Over the past few years together, Michelle and Philip have: • Visited 7 countries • Visited 18 National Parks • Run a marathon together • Run two ultramarathons together • Ridden a 100-mile bike race together • Hiked the famous Tour du Mont Blanc (100+ miles in 8 days) along with several other backpacking trips in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana • Driven across the country twice • Made incredible friends in every place they’ve lived Life has been incredibly good to them so far, and they look forward to continuing the adventure together for the rest of their lives.