Michael and Polina first met in 2014, when their AP Biology teacher asked Michael to move seats and sit next to Polina instead of staying with his friends in the back of the classroom. What might have seemed like a small seating change ended up being the start of their relationship, and the rest is history! Over the years, they went to two proms together, cheered each other on at high school, undergraduate, and graduate commencements, and made it through five years of long-distance. From high school sweethearts to young adults building a life together, they've grown up side by side. Michael proposed on April 21, 2025, during a walk through their favorite neighborhood in their current home of Sunderland, MA. After a decade of milestones and memories, Michael and Polina are so excited to celebrate their wedding with all of you in March 2026!