In the fall of 2017, Michelle was starting her first full time job in education as a 6th grade ELA support teacher at BuffSci Middle School. She was also starting her first semester of graduate school to become a school librarian. A few weeks into the school year, a 10th grade English teaching position opened at BuffSci’s high school building. It was a difficult decision to leave the 6th grade students she had already come to love, but felt it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. At around the same time, the same building also had a last minute opening for a Physical Education teacher. After Matt’s interview with BuffSci, they quickly offered him the position and he accepted. Matt and Michelle started their new positions on the very same day, with Michelle’s classroom being right next to the gym. They quickly became friends and bonded over their shared experience of being first year teachers. Matt and Michelle both realized immediately that there was more than friendship under the surface, but neither would admit it out loud for a few more months. In December of that first year, Matt randomly pulled Michelle’s name to be her “Secret Santa.” All week leading up to winter break, he left small gifts and anonymous notes on her desk. On the last day before break, he revealed his identity and gave her a final gift: a Star Wars water bottle (that she still has). This was the tipping point. They talked for hours at the faculty holiday party that afternoon, not even realizing nearly everyone had left. They decided to go on their first date over break (Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi) and then spent their first New Year’s Eve together in East Aurora. (That night also marked the end of the 18-year playoff drought - coincidence? You decide…) Now, on July 1st, 2022 - almost five years after meeting - Matt and Michelle will go back to East Aurora. This time, they’ll be with all of their friends and family and will say their vows to become husband and wife.