we're getting married!

It was love at first sight (for Mike anyway) when he spotted this shy awkward brunette on crutches, rocking her baby phat outfit, during 6th-grade orientation (it was Kara). He even whispered to his close friend and neighbor Marissa Rose, that this would be the girl he’d marry someday. Talk about foreshadowing! After multiple attempts, Kara finally gave Mike a chance, which would unexpectedly transform, against all odds, into the foundation for their deep friendship and a love to last a lifetime. Growing up together, it was not all rainbows and butterflies, but through the ups and downs, Kara and Mike were always rooting for each other no matter what. Even though apart through most of their college years, they still made an effort to remain in each other's lives, being supportive, especially through difficult life events. Fast forward to a fun trip planned to Savannah, GA where their high-school friend Andrew Dietz was living at the time. Most of the West Genny high school crew made plans to join, and this would be the first time Kara and Mike would be seeing each other after two years. If you know Kara, she is not one to pack ahead of time and typically likes to live on the edge, however, for this particular situation, out of nervousness she had picked out every outfit for each day carefully with her close friend & roomie, Abby Wheble, newly Abby Young! This trip became a memorable turning point, as Kara and Mike's reunion sparked a rekindling of their love, leading them to start a new chapter together. Kara and Mike were navigating a long distance relationship for a couple years before making adult moves to live together. Kara made the difficult decision to leave Philadelphia, PA to move to Raleigh, NC where Mike had been living, after graduating from William Peace University (And if you were wondering, Yes- this is where his nickname "hot mike" originated). Learning more about each other was fun for the couple! This was the first time finally reunited and living in the same city since high school. Later on, their family grew when adopting their dog Lenny, in February of 2022 bringing so much joy. Mike proposed to Kara on the dock at camp on Oneida Lake, with family cheering on the hill above. This perfect day was well-worth the wait! Kara and Mike are so excited to be married in May of 2025 and celebrate with all of their loved ones. They will continue to choose one another every day with love, and handle whatever life may throw at them together.