Michael & Chase met during their freshman year at Anderson University. Michael was considering joining AU's Student Government Association and met Chase at an interest meeting. In true Chase fashion, he had already created an executive leadership position for himself within SGA and was quick to introduce himself to Michael during the meeting. They spent the next several weeks getting to know one another. By mid-summer 2010, they were dating. Their time in college was marked by academic and extracurricular success, fun times, amazing friendships but also managing a relationship kept private. After graduation from Anderson University, Michael & Chase spent a brief time together while in their first jobs post-college in Anderson. But ultimately, the couple spent multiple years dating long-distance, first with Michael in Anderson and Chase in Columbia and then vice-versa. Weekend trips back-and-forth kept their relationship in motion while spending time separately with family and friends. In 2017, Chase took the position as Publisher of Free Times, Columbia's arts and entertainment news publication owned by The Post and Courier. This job brought Chase back to Columbia and subsequently, back to Michael. The two's relationship became more serious and the couple ultimately moved in together along with their dog, Paxton (also known as the Puglisher!). With the love and support of so many, Michael and Chase became more open about their relationship. In late 2023, Chase began preparations for a Europe trip which would include a surprise engagement - first by purchasing Michael tickets to see Taylor Swift in Paris as a Christmas gift, and then by secretly selecting a wedding band. After months of planning, the couple embarked on a multi-week trip to Paris and across Italy in May 2024. The trip included another stop in Lake Como, Italy, the couple's favorite place they had experienced together. On May 20, 2024 while in Lake Como, Chase asked Michael to marry him in I Giardini di Villa Melzi (the gardens of Villa Melzi estate). A photographer was waiting to capture the proposal and shots in the gardens and on Lake Como afterward. Today, Michael & Chase are happier and closer than ever, now fully able to embrace themselves as individuals and as a couple. The love and encouragement they have been shown by countless family and friends has made this one of the sweetest times in their relationship.