Mike was a regular on the trails of Cold Spring Harbor State Park, while for Michele it was a random occurrence. But on a seemingly ordinary Wednesday afternoon, the stars aligned. As fate would have it, their paths crossed, and the glimmer in Mike’s smile caught Michele’s eye while her dimple captured his. Unfamiliar with the trail, Michele had no idea where she was going, but Mike, ever the gentleman, kept a respectful distance (so as not to seem like the “creepy guy in the woods”) while subtly ensuring she stayed on course. When they reached the end of the trail, it felt natural to turn around and walk back together—though neither realized it was the first of many walks they’d share. Mike insists that Michele “interviewed” him the whole way back, but the lively conversation left him intrigued. In hopes of hiking together again, Mike decided to ask for Michele’s number. Moments later, Michele called her sister from her car and said, “I just met some guy in the woods… imagine if he’s my future husband?” That chance encounter was no accident—it was the butterfly effect in motion. The trail, the timing, the moment—it all led to their forever.

In the summer of 2024, Mike and Michele embarked on an unforgettable European adventure to Switzerland and Italy. Their journey began in the breathtaking valley of Lauterbrunnen, hiking through waterfalls, followed by snow tubing in Jungfraujoch—the “Top of Europe” in the Swiss Alps. From there, they traveled south by train to Como, where they spent their days soaking up the sun and the beauty of the Italian lakeside. One afternoon, a private boat cruise took them around the lake, with stops at historic villas and stories of the royalty and celebrities who once lived there. The tour guide offered to take pictures, much to Michele’s delight, as it meant a break from their usual selfies. While anchored in front of the enchanting Civera Bridge in Nesso, with a waterfall cascading in the background, Andrea Bocelli’s Con Te Partirò filled the air. Mike explained the song’s meaning: a story of two lovers who may not know where life will take them but are certain they will face it together. Then, after a few heartfelt words and to Michele’s complete surprise, Mike got down on one knee and asked her to spend forever with him. The answer? A resounding, yes!