One casual night in May 2019, Michael went on a first date and met his future wife. However, in an unexpected turn of events, his wife-to-be was not the woman he met for the date. Michael's date brought them to a pop-up where a client of hers was showcasing her company. As the night came to a close, Michael's date walked him to her client's table for a quick hello. Her client? Alyssa. They instantly felt a connection and Alyssa mentioned to Michael that she was looking for some marketing advice. Alyssa’s version of the story has her focused on one thing: work. Michael’s version: Alyssa not-so-subtly dropped her relationship status (single), and found a smooth way to get him her contact info. The couple-to-be went on their first "date" to discuss how Alyssa's company could support more people in need (ie: marketing). Upon the “meeting’s” close, Michael asked her on a real date, while also suggesting she should consider hiring him. Alyssa immediately practiced a statement she has been perfecting ever since: "no, Michael, you have to pick one." Michael noted that if Alyssa were smart, she'd date Michael and then get his advice as an added, free bonus. Three years later, Alyssa affectionately leans on Michael as an interim CPO, COO, and CMO golden trifecta. Even more importantly, the two lean on each other as their #1 confidante, support system, and inspiration inside and outside of work.

In March of 2020, Michael and Alyssa woke up in Williamsburg to learn that their offices were closed... indefinitely. They figured it would be a few days, a few weeks at most. Michael invited Alyssa to his family's home in Long Island to “ride it out” until they knew more. They packed a couple t-shirts, rented what felt like the last car in NYC, and took off. A few weeks became a few months and a few months became a giant question mark. At the turn of 2021, the pair, four friends, and Zelda committed to two months in a Colorado mountain town. Within moments on the road, they had a sneaking suspicion that this was only the beginning. Seven months later, they'd return to New York after exploring the mountains, national parks, and neighboring towns of Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and more. Over more than 11,000 miles, Alyssa grew an invaluable appreciation for Michael's uncanny ability to find a new place to live every week, insatiable hunger for adventure, bottomless support for her, and around the clock parenting for dear Zelda. Michael fell for Alyssa's resilience in growing her business, insistence on going down the ski mountain despite crippling anxiety, talent for board games, and newfound love for some of his closest friends who quickly evolved from strangers to family. The beauty and complexity of their journey brought the couple even closer together while giving them a chance to demonstrate and cement their shared values. In October 2021, the night of Alyssa’s 30th birthday, Michael proposed.

If you're reading this, you're likely a close loved one of Alyssa or Michael. As such, it will come as no surprise that the two have every intention of making this a night--and a partnership--to remember. As you prepare for this magical wintery evening in January, we encourage you to marinate on the below. No further action or "submission" required. When you think of Alyssa and Michael, what comes to mind? How would you describe your relationship with them and their relationship with each other? When you think of some of the marriages that you most admire, what patterns do you see? If you could wish Alyssa and Michael just one thing for their future together, what would that be? Sure, Michael is marrying a therapist who loves this $#!T. If you feel so inspired to share some of your musings, feel free to email landsersel@gmail.com. We truly cannot wait to welcome and celebrate with you. Thank you for being you and for sharing some of your love and light with us.