Way back in 2008, Kristen started a new job that promised to take her on many adventures into the woods and wetlands of New Jersey. Little did she know, the best adventure was waiting for her back at the office. (Spoiler Alert: it was Mike!) When Kristen and Mike met each other for this first time, they immediately noticed each other's smile. Mike probably made some sort of awkward pun, and when Kristen laughed, he smiled and winked... and the rest is history...well sort of! The two didn't make it official until two years later. Since then, they've spent their time exploring, camping in the Adirondacks, hunting and hiking with the best dog in the world, searching for snakes and wildflowers in the Pine Barrens, watching the stars from the back of Mike's old pick-up (RIP Toyota T-100), bird watching from Cape May Point State Park, working in their vegetable and wildflower gardens, rocking out at live concerts, cooking up delicious meals, and spending time with friends and family.

Mike and Kristen bought their first house in December of 2018, settling down in the rural town of Heislerville, NJ. Surrounded by woods, marshes, and beaches, they had found their home! Plus, it had plenty of places for Moose to explore. A few years (and a pandemic) later, on February 26th, 2021, Mike and Kristen enjoyed a freshly cooked meal together, as they often do. With the ring having just been delivered that day, Mike simply could not wait any longer. After dinner, he got down on one knee and asked Kristen to marry him in their living room. Of course, she said yes!