Madi and Michael met the modern way—by swiping right on a dating app and bonding over Michael’s love of quarter zips. Although they both worked at the same children’s hospital, only Madi noticed at first—she recognized Michael's blue eyes immediately, while Michael had no idea who she was (thanks COVID masking!). Their first date on January 25, 2024, at Three Notch'd Brewing in Virginia Beach felt effortlessly right—especially when they both coincidentally ordered the same drink. From that night on, they grew closer with every date, discovering how natural it felt to be together. The moment that sealed it was a simple one: takeout, comfy clothes, and being sick—when Michael realized that love was found in the quiet, ordinary moments that felt like home. Michael made things official at the beach on March 14, 2024 by asking, “Do I need to ask you to be my girlfriend?” Since then, they’ve built a life full of shared adventures—traveling to the Bahamas, visiting family in Maine and Richmond, cooking meals together, running side by side, and falling even more in love with their beagle, Winnie. On July 18, 2025, Michael asked Madi to marry him—and she said yes (of course!). Together, they found their best friend, biggest supporter, and favorite person. They can’t wait to start the next chapter and say “I do” on October 25, 2026.