Michael and I met on the dating app Hinge—he was living in St. Pete, and I was in Clearwater. He picked the place, made the reservation, and planned the date like a true gentleman. That place happened to be Clear Sky on Cleveland… not knowing I bartend events at the Capitol Theatre right across the street and spend a lot of time in that area. I talked (okay, blabbed) the entire night—and apparently, he loved it. We still laugh about it to this day. From the very first date, we were both hooked. I could immediately tell he was a sweet, genuine, and truly great guy. We ended up spending almost every night together that week—and the rest is history 🤍

Shortly after we started dating, Michael landed his flying career with American Airlines and suddenly had seven weeks of training—and flight benefits to use. At the same time, I was working as a freelance marketer with a flexible schedule. Perfect timing. When Michael asked if I’d join him on a trip to Japan with his brother and sister-in-law for the Formula 1 races—only a month and a half into dating—I didn’t hesitate. We explored Japan together, from the excitement of the F1 races to the beauty of Kyoto. Traveling halfway across the world so early on meant we got to know each other really well, really fast—and it confirmed what we already felt: this adventure was just the beginning.

As Michael’s lease was coming to an end, we started talking about what was next. While we briefly considered squeezing into my little cottage in Clearwater, we knew we were ready for a space that fit the life we were building together. We found a beautiful home just a block from my cottage, tucked off the stunning Edgewater Drive—and it quickly became home. Renting this house has given us the perfect lifestyle: endless e-bike rides to the beach and into town, golf cart rides around the neighborhood, sunset walks with Mowgli, and the most incredible neighbors. It didn’t just feel like a new place—it felt like the beginning of our shared everyday life 🤍

Among our many shared interests, one we quickly discovered was a mutual love for sailing. Growing up, my dad had a small Laser sailboat that I loved, and sailing had always been something Michael’s dad talked about as well. So, we decided to dive in and become sailboat owners together. What started with our Compac 16 turned into countless unforgettable days out on the Gulf—and eventually led us to our Catalina 25, now docked at Clearwater Harbor Marina. Full circle moment: Clearwater Harbor Marina is a place we strolled through on our very first date. Now it’s where we spend some of our favorite days together, soaking up sunsets, salt air, and life on the water.

Although we kind of ruined the surprise (we’re not very good at keeping secrets), the moment was still nothing short of perfect. While on a trip to St. Augustine with my best friend and her husband, Michael and I slipped away from the crowds of the Night of Lights downtown. Tucked away at the marina, on a private dock with the boat parade glowing behind us, Michael got down on one knee. He gave the most beautiful proposal speech, presented me with the ring of my dreams, and I was absolutely bawling. Afterward, a photographer was waiting to capture us as newly engaged (one of my only requests), followed by reservations for an incredible dinner and a night out celebrating with our closest friends. It was thoughtful, intimate, and perfectly us!