In 2017, Michelle flew from Atlanta to Delaware to spend Memorial Day weekend with a college buddy and her family. During that trip, she was introduced to two people; the guy her friend would eventually marry and his friend, Tom. Michelle and Tom instantly got along. Following that weekend, Michelle flew back to Atlanta and Tom headed back to New Jersey, but they remained in touch over the years, seeing each other for birthday celebrations and weekend getaways where they bonded over late night karaoke sessions and sharing videos of their favorite former American Idol contestants. They made each other laugh, a lot, as they still do, and established a friendship founded on enjoying time with their people. When their friends got married in 2021, Tom and Michelle officially started dating, exactly 4 years after they first met. The wedding was the nudge they needed. Plus, a lot had happened in 4 years, including Michelle's move from Atlanta to DC. With the number of states between them now cut in half, they decided to give it a go. For 2 years, they made the 4 hour drive back and forth to each other. Michelle began playing golf and Tom was introduced to the world of musical theatre. Michelle learned all about Dave Portnoy and his pizza reviews and Tom discovered that museums really aren't all that bad. They enjoyed lots of good food, barely eating at the same place twice, and binged many a suspenseful mini series. Tom proposed over Memorial Day weekend in 2023, exactly 6 years after they first met, and officially made Michelle a New Jerseyan one month later. College Game Day commentary rings loud throughout their home on Saturday's and much to Tom's surprise, he's grown quite fond of the prestige that is Bravo TV. They've been embraced by each other's family and friends and have learned to compromise, like when Michelle said she wanted a dog and Tom responded with, "I don't know about that", so they headed to the local rescue and drove their "lab mix" home :) These days they spend most of their time taking care of their little guy, Hank. Since his adoption day, Tom has admitted that life with a dog is better, but he'll never admit that, compromise or not, Michelle really does know what's best for him.