We met in chemistry class in 2007 at Sexton High School, home of the Big Reds, where one bold question changed everything. Shanora asked the class if anyone had a pencil—and of course Michaella did; she’s always been the keeper of all things. Michaella happily offered one, and from that moment on, we were inseparable. Nearly every day after school was spent together watching the Tyra Banks Show, staying up late to witness Barack Obama’s historic election, and riding around Lansing listening to music in Shanora’s little purple car, she lovingly named Daytona with butterflies in our tummies. In 2010, we dated, but the timing wasn’t right, even though our hearts were. Over the years, we stayed connected in the quietest and most meaningful ways, intentionally crossing paths again and again, never truly apart in spirit. Sixteen years later, Michaella invited Shanora to A Night at the Soul Lounge. We danced, talked, and bantered just like old times, but this time, things were different. We had grown, lived, and evolved so much, but our souls felt the same. Over time our hearts knew, this was finally our time. God strategically placed us in each other's lives, there was no way we could deny our connection or timing of it all. On July 27, 2025, Shanora asked Michaella to marry her, and through lots of happy tears, she said yes. We can’t wait to spend a lifetime together filled with the softest love, the deepest connection, and all the memories yet to come with our family.