Alicia and Mike met the old fashioned way... on Hinge. During their first conversation in February 2020, the couple knew this was something special, as they avoided the stereotypical conversations and chatted about Alicia's fear of squirrels. Mike was the first to make a move, asking Alicia to get drinks at a Michigan State bar. From the moment they sat down, the two didn't stop talking, covering every topic from Mike's desire to join a protest to Alicia's hatred of Michigan State. The date lasted 5 hours, only ending because the bar was closing. During the date, Mike mentioned wanting to go to a Dillion Francis concert but not having anyone to go with; Alicia jumped at the chance and said she loved his music and would be happy to go. Alicia had no idea who Dillion Francis was, but knew she wasn't letting Mike get away. After the date, Mike told his friends he met someone incredibly special and Alicia told Emily (their officiant) that she thought he was the one.

Within 4 weeks of meeting, the world decided to throw the ultimate curveball...COVID. Alicia and Mike took a huge step and decided to quarantine together, spending their time in lockdown making blanket forts, watching "Community", playing Luigi Mansion and unsuccessfully learning to bake. They quickly learned how to navigate the complicated new reality together and support one another through the difficult times to come. Hiking quickly turned into their joint escape activity and the two traveled around the Midwest exploring the trails. In August 2020, Mike and Alicia became parents...dog parents. Mike found Banksy in Iowa and told Alicia she was the only puppy available. This was a lie, but Mike fell in love with her the moment he saw her white and gray face and knew Alicia would love her too. After the pandemic, Alicia and Mike decided they wanted a new adventure together and chose to move to Denver, though neither of them had actually spent time in Colorado but had heard it was the dream destination for hiking.

Three weeks before moving, Mike planned to propose on the dock in North Pond, Lincoln Park. However the day Mike went to set up rose petals and candles, construction crews had just started a year-long renovation of the pond... The day of the proposal, Mike pivoted and decided to propose doing what the couple loved most, playing soccer with Banksy in front of the Lincoln Park Conservatory. As a matter of fate, when Mike went to suggest the plan to Alicia, she beat him to it and suggested playing soccer at the exact time Mike had told Dana (Alicia's bridesmaid) to hide and take pictures. With Banksy off to the side watching, and Dana hiding in the bushes taking pictures, Mike got down on one knee and proposed. Mike does not remember what he said because he blacked out from nerves, however, Alicia cried from joy and said yes as everyone in the park started clapping. Alicia was wearing a backwards hat and still regrets the style choice.