Michael went to Wingate University where he quickly befriended none other than Anne Abernathy, the unsung hero of this story. Throughout college, Anne helped Michael pass his classes while Michael was the #1 fan for Anne's volleyball team. A few years later, I met Anne through church. We bonded over OrangeTheory and the fact that our office buildings were side by side. For a full year, Anne insisted that she had the perfect guy for me. Very skeptical, I ask why. "He's nice," she said. Unimpressed, I shut it down. In February 2025, Anne mentions this guy once again to me and asks if she can share my number. I say yes... Michael receives this random girl's number and agonizes for hours over the perfect first text to send. He finally decides to invite me to coffee - even though he doesn't like it! Meanwhile, I was with my sister in the hospital as she welcomed her second kiddo, Jesse. Poor Michael had to wait 2 weeks to take me out on our first date, which he settled on ice cream and a walk (also not his thing - much to my dismay). It must have been love at first sight since he walked for 6 whole miles even with a blister! Turns out Anne is, in fact, an expert matchmaker! The Lord has been so good to us. He has blessed our time together as we've been listening to our favorite artists in concert, eating at Waffle House, attending lots and lots of weddings, enjoying slow days at Topsail Island, and completing all of our admin tasks during date night. We are so excited for May 1st and can't wait to celebrate with you all!