Spencer and I met for the first time in Cincinnati, OH at the Midwesterns in January 2019. Of course it was a paddle tournament! I had heard about the ‘new girl on the scene’ from my friends Dane Schmigdall and Jeronie Barnes hours earlier as we made the drive from Chicago to Cincinnati. They bet me I couldn’t get a date with her: challenge accepted. As fate would have it, we drove directly to the site Spencer was playing at! How’s that for timing? The Chicago paddle crew went to dinner later that evening and Spencer and I were sat next to each other (intentional match making from Matt McClure, it was later revealed). I was charming and brilliant, as always (that’s how I remember it). And Spencer thought, who is this guy? (As she remembers it). Months later Spencer reached out and asked if I would practice with her (yeah right…we all know what that means). As the gentleman I am, I obliged. Challenge won. Side note: Dane and Jeronie still have not paid out the bet. Dane likely forgot. And Jeronie never loses (at anything). Back to the story…Spencer and I started dating towards the end of the 2019 paddle season and the relationship moved quick. What I loved most in the beginning was how great of friends we were immediately. We shared a love for tennis, paddle, sports, travel, etc. And established early on a clear bond and companionship. It was, and still is, so easy and effortless between us. Highlights from ‘the beginning.’ Our first trip together (to Denver). I had business early in the week, so we arrived the weekend before to explore the city and go to a concert (LANY). When I dropped her off at the airport Sunday evening (remember, I was staying for work) I cried on the way back into the city – I hated leaving her. That was an early indication that Spencer was going to play a big part in my life. Other highlights from the early stages: having her meet my Best Man and father, Ed Granger. Visiting her parents in PA for the first time. The early 2020 trip to the Bahamas. Our nephew Lochlan being born! And COVID (which brought us closer together). Those days were heaven. We were having fun, dating, playing paddle and traveling. Does it get any better? Spencer would later move in with me fall of 2021. It was clear we were headed towards the real thing and we wanted to share everyday life together. From our perspective, love isn’t just the fireworks and grand gestures – it’s living life side-by-side. It’s coffee in the morning and long walks when it’s sunny out. Love is watching Suits and Ted Lasso when we’re feeling lazy. It’s supporting, loving, and respecting each other not just in the big moments, but in the small ones. It’s making it essential to hug and kiss before leaving home each day. Saying “I Love You’ at the end of every phone call. Championing our strengths and acknowledging our weaknesses. It’s sharing songs that make us feel alive and drinking wine after a long day. It’s honoring each other when we speak to our friends and family. And letting Mitch take more of the overheads at net. (Just kidding, honey). We’ve come to the end of our story (or is it just the beginning?). As one chapter ends, one begins again. And we can’t wait to share it all with you; our family and friends who’ve been so supportive and loving throughout the journey. Our big day will be a joyous moment, and with all of you involved, the perfect introduction into our new lives. You don’t want to miss this! ~ Mitch and Spencer