We met working at an agency helping non-profit organizations fundraise through digital marketing. The first time we met was an unassuming onboarding meeting where Michael was giving an introduction to Courtney about his work. In a meeting that was supposed to last 15 minutes, Michael wrapped it up in 5 and told Courtney "That's all, you can go now." And from there the chase was on. Over the next few months we worked closely together on our clients and often stopped by each others' offices to make visits for small talk. By the time the company's spirit week rolled around Michael was starting to take the hints (though it took longer than it should have!) During the spirit week's celebration Michael asked Courtney out on a lunch date, and during that, dinner!

After dating for a little over a year, through the challenges of the pandemic, we decided it was time that we moved in together. We found a cute condo in Shirlington VA and locked it down as our first home together. Tucked away from some of the bustle of downtown we called it our home in "The Hills of Arlington". Though it was small and we were both working from home we were comfortable! The condo went through several iterations of office setup where at one point we were both working and taking meetings from the same room! A few months after moving in Courtney's parents, Kristin and Gerry, rescued a little kitten from a field. The kitten was being taken care of by them for a few months but after some discussion we decided to add a cat to our happy little family. We named her CJ (Courtney Junior) and she has been living with us since as the most spoiled little cat!

After living in Shirlington for about 2 and a half years we decided it was time to purchase a place of our home. In December of 2022 we purchased and moved into our town home in Reston VA. The move was challenging being 2 days before Christmas and in the rain and bitter cold, but we managed to wrangle enough help from friends for a successful move! Since moving we have been kept busy with house projects and puppy adoption! In March of 2023 we adopted Onyx, a sweet puppy with a loud yawn, curly tail, and floppy ears. We having been getting cozy in our new home together, trying to get the cat and dog to get a long and keeping ourselves busy with house projects, puppy training and wedding planning!