Kate & Michael met early one morning after the bars closed in their first week of college. They both lived in neighboring dorms, and a mutual friend asked if Michael needed a ride home. After walking to their car, Michael was immediately drawn to Kate, whose southern charm completely captivated him, sparking a conversation neither of them wanted to end. That night, Kate introduced Michael to Kings Cup, a notoriously silly drinking game. After hours of laughter and late-night conversation, Michael foolishly left without asking for her number. Thankfully, their paths continued to cross, giving their friendship and eventually their relationship the chance to grow.

Initially, Michael planned to propose to Kate at his historic Lebanese home in Baakleen, atop the spire where his ancestors once held their most important meetings. Unfortunately, due to conflict in the region, their plans had to change, prompting Michael to consider other options. By the time he reached plan E, the proposal was set for a small, remote town in Vermont in August. His vision included a bonfire and a surprise proposal under the stars. But when they arrived, the summer heat and relentless insects quickly made that idea less than ideal. Concerned that Kate might accidentally discover the ring in his bag, Michael quietly removed it and began searching their Airbnb for a new hiding spot. Kate, hearing him stumble through one of the bedrooms with a beaded curtain, grew curious and walked over to investigate. The moment Michael heard the beads rustle, he realized he had to make a split-second decision: hide the ring or propose on the spot. Frozen, he chose the latter. Seeing only the top of his head reflected in a mirror, Kate laughed and asked what he was doing on the floor. But as she turned the corner, she too froze—realizing exactly what she’d walked into. The rest, as they say, is just another chapter in their long journey together.

Michael's Favorite Memory - Where to begin? After sharing almost 10 years together, it’s hard to choose just one memory. But one that stands out is when Kate surprised me for my 27th birthday with tickets to see Green Day perform at Fenway Park. They played their Dookie and American Idiot albums without missing a beat, taking us back to the music that shaped our early years... long before we met, but still such a big part of what brought us together. Throughout our relationship, we've made music a shared experience, frequenting concerts across genres like jazz, soul, rock, house, and even techno. But that night at Fenway will always hold a special place in my heart. Kate's Favorite Memory - Just as Michael mentioned, choosing one memory from nearly a decade together is no easy task, but my first trips to Charlottesville with Michael will always hold a special place in my heart. In January 2017, he showed me around his hometown for the first time. We visited his old school grounds, Monticello, the downtown mall, and UVA, where my family from WV was able to meet up with us. My trip home was delayed due to snow, which allowed us to stay in the coziest bed and breakfast. It was such a romantic end to the trip with snow falling all around us. ❤️ I returned a year later in the summer for another great trip, spending time with his mom and friends. Michael and I spent a beautiful afternoon at Pippin Hill Winery, sipping wine and taking in the mountains that inspired us to choose this area for our wedding. These trips made me feel connected not only to Michael but also to the place and people who shaped him!