Michael and McLane met in January 2021 when Michael was visiting Gatlinburg to spend the holidays with his family. The pair first met at a brewery with friends. Although they were very nervous, the sparks were undeniable. So much so it led Michael to cancel his flight home to DC, scheduled for that night, so that he could take McLane on a proper date. They had an incredible evening together and when Michael returned to DC, they both wondered where the relationship could go next. Michael quickly found a reason to see McLane again, he invited McLane to be his guest to a wedding in Atlanta. McLane easily accepted, and the pair had another great time together. They continued talking and making opportunities to be together, until McLane was offered a summer internship in DC. They had an amazing and romantic summer, but too soon McLane had to return to Tennessee to finish his senior year at UTK. Michael and McLane made this long distance relationship work by traveling to each other as often as they could. After McLane graduated he moved to DC full-time. Their love story demonstrates commitment and openness to love. While their path was never simple, they always chose each other and let the journey unfold.