Summer 2020 was bleak. Masks were on, offices were closed, and morale was low. As Covid-19 put the world into an unpredictable tailspin, a silver-lining began to shine. When Mike's Cisco office in Raleigh went remote, he made the challenging decision to move back to Stamford and in with Hillary and Ken. Elana, a year out of college still living with Gregg in their childhood Stamford home, found a bright spot in a young, blonde-haired gentleman who shared a love of ice cream and cheesy jokes. So while the world shut down, Elana and Mike's love began. By December 2020, they were vacationing on the beaches of Florida and by July of 2021, they had proved themselves as a dynamic duo both on the pickle court and at the euchre table. From there, their love story continued to grow. From family time in Wellfleet, Cape Cod or Rochester, NY, Elana and Mike found themselves on some incredible adventures. By November of 2022, they moved into their first apartment together in Stamford, CT. And while paddle boarding, kayaking, U.S. Opens, Mets games, zoos, aquariums, food festivals, concerts, hikes, one half marathon, and countless laughs in between may seem like a lifetime of memories, this was truly just the beginning. In June of 2023, Elana left her job in preparation for a new journey and by July, the couple sold most of their belongings, packed the rest in their cars, and headed for the sunshine state. While St. Petersburg, FL started off as a scary undertaking, the couple found comfort in each other and this new city blossomed into a beautiful life together. Through life's twists and turns, Elana and Mike continued to write their story. Job changes, hurricanes, and car troubles brought the realities of adulthood to the forefront, but one thing was evidently clear. Elana and Mike knew that they were stronger together. And whatever challenges might arise, they knew that with each other by their sides, they could not only whether any storm, but stand taller together on the other side. Mike proposed on July 18, 2025, signifying a lifetime of love and happiness to come.