We are so excited to share this special time with you all! We want to stress how much we understand that this might be difficult for some to make the trip. We are extremely sensitive to everyone’s position and the last thing we would want is for anyone to feel any pressure to attend. We hope that our invitation simply expresses just how special you are to both of us. Whether you are near or far, you are always in our hearts and we will look forward to celebrating with you the next time we find ourselves together. Love, Mike & Kelly

I first heard of Mike while attempting to finish my Art Education Masters' program at Cal State Northridge. My professor informed me that there was a new student looking to join our program and would not be offering the next class until he enrolled the following semester. Since keeping a schedule and staying on track are very important to me, you could imagine my discontent hearing the news that my plans would be on hold for another full semester. Little did I know then, that waiting for Mike, would prove to be one of the best decisions of my life. When finally the class began, I was curious to see who the person was that held up an entire cohort of students. As we discussed topics in class, I learned that Mike had a passion for art, family and truth. He talked about being from Rochester and how he grew up near the Kodak factory, which I was already a fan of, being a photographer and photo teacher. Many of his interests intrigued me and I wanted to know more about him and where he came from. Although I was curious to get to know him, I did not linger after our long, night classes. Instead, I would bolt from my seat immediately upon dismissal to head home and prepare for my teaching day. As time went on, we discovered our shared love of Dr. Pepper and pizza, and I found my conversation-starter. I tried to entice Mike with a pizza date at one of my favorite local spots and eventually he accepted. Many pizzas later, I can say that getting to know Mike has been an adventure since those early days of bike rides and outdoor movie screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. I have found a partner that challenges me in the right ways and pushes me to achieve my full potential. He is giving with his time and open about sharing his wisdom and philosophy. Together we have tried new things, traveled to new places, and explored new hobbies that neither of us would've imagined. I look forward to more learning and growing together. Thank you for sharing in our adventure!

I grew up quite the naive, hopeless romantic: imagining a fancied life while lamenting bygone eras. I listened to sentimental movie scores, 40's Big Band, 50's Blues, 60's Soul, sappy 70's Ballads and ultimately 90's "Sad Bastard Music", while ingesting implausible 80's & 90's Rom-Coms. I sympathized with abandoned architecture, ghost signage, neglected neon, and anything else that fueled a starry-eyed notion that somewhere, out there, was a better, underappreciated life to experience. I struggled to find that fantastic reality, so I sought it out in LA. The following decade brought fortune with my career but still left me hopelessly searching for that heart of gold to share a fancied life with. I drew up another exit strategy: Get an Art Ed degree. Return to Rochester. Teach Art. Find better luck with the girls of "Kodak City." Then I walked into my first day of Art Ed at CSUN. Mostly made up of girls, there was one in particular: gentle, huddled under her hoodie, sipping her Dr. Pepper, and sharing her enthusiasm for her cat and grandmother. I sat across from her each night, doing anything I could to engage her in conversation. However, at the end of each class, she'd dash out the door. Finally, on our last day, I shamelessly played the "Simpsons card" and invited everyone for a studio tour. Just as I'd hoped, Kelly was the only one to entertain my offer, but when she showed up with her friend, I realized Kelly's intent was to set me up with her. Once again, I'd let my imagination run away with me. Kelly continued to reach out to me for months after, perhaps unknowing of my discouragement. Nevertheless she persisted, pushing for a pizza date as a truce. Naturally, I caved. These past 8 years together have awoken me to the "wabi-sabi" life. Kelly has taught me more than I ever could have imagined. Her dedication and capacity to love inspires and grounds me. She is undoubtedly my kindred spirit; with the heart of gold that I've long been searching for.