During a usual summer at Camp Apollo for Mike, something about one of the other counselors felt different. This was the date of our first picture which was sent to a mutual friend. From there it became a mission of Mike's to find out more about this other counselor. Enter long time summer co-worker, Rachel Mayo (now Smith). Because Mike was too afraid to find out for himself, he had Rachel do some investigating. From there it became some silly facebook messaging, to meeting up for dog walks with Callie and Cali and finally to the first official date on 7/18/2015.

In a year that was unfortunately dominated by COVID-19, it was also the year of proposals for Mike's family. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, a good friend of Mike's had his wedding postponed to the following year, but this was then used as a part of the master plan. Mike's friend Adam called while Mike was with Ann and invited them for a dinner. It was going to be a nice dinner out so that the bridal party could all meet since their wedding was moved. Too Ann's surprise, Adam was nowhere to be found. Instead, there was a beautiful heart made of roses (props to Mike's sisters and their fiancé's) awaiting their arrival on the beach at Walls Wharf Restaurant in Bayville. In that heart is where Mike dropped to his knee and both families came out from the restaurant to celebrate with the newly engaged couple.