Michael and Alexandra met at Ocean County College in 2011 during their Art History Class. Michael was already good friends with Alexandra's twin sister, Brittany, so when the class started he found her, came right up, and sat on the other side of her. After that first class ended, Michael immediately texted Brittany and said "set me up with your sister..." and she said, "no." Likewise, Alexandra texted Brittany hours later asking who her friend was, and she replied with "leave my friend alone!" Over time, Michael and Alexandra became friends, exchanged BBMs, and of course, liked each other and drove their friends crazy about it every time they got together. In 2012, Michael went to Alexandra's father Paul's band reunion show at the Headliner and asked him for permission to date her on the live Q&A afterward (yes, we have video footage of this). Fast forward to 8 years later, he asked him to marry her as well. Eventually, Michael and Alexandra decided to finally go on their long-awaited first official date in 2015 and they've been together ever since.

Michael was determined to end 2020 on a high note - and he did just that! How did he get it done? Simple. He didn't tell anyone until the morning of - because he knows Alexandra's side of the family, especially the Hessleins, cannot keep a secret! On that very special morning, he visited Alexandra's father and got his formal blessing, then followed soon after with her mother and sister. He got Alexandra to dress up thinking they were going to their favorite Italian spot (*insert shameless plug to Il Giardanellos) but surprised her by popping the question outside their new home with their immediate families present. She was completely surprised - so surprised in fact that she snatched the ring box out of his hand with a huge "finally!" Safe to say it was well worth the wait.