We're Getting Married!

Chad's brother & Michelle's bestie/roomate just started dating around this time- and they, along with Chad + friends, went to a Tiger's Game one afternoon. When they came back to the house later that night- Michelle was home, and they all hung out for awhile. Four hours flew by between the non-stop conversation, jokes, & laughter. Chad & Michelle both knew the connection they made that night, was truly one-of-a-kind. And the interest only grew from there. The two had no idea that the kitchen they stayed up talking in until the early morning hours, would be the one they share over five years later.<3

The two started talking + hanging out shortly after they met, and found joy in just being in each other's company. Whether they were driving around listening to music, taking walks in the woods (or random bean fields!)...they quickly became inseparable. Chad asked Michelle to be his girlfriend on the night of November 25th, 2015- and the next day they celebrated their first Thanksgiving together! Many laughs, adventures, + love notes later, the couple will be celebrating almost 6 years of happiness by the time they tie the knot!

Chad officially moved in April of 2016- and their lives truly became connected. The two were always seeking adventure from the start- and experienced many firsts together! A few of their favorite memories include: Skydiving in August 2016, adopting their fur-son Reggie in February 2017, yearly road trips across the country, camping trips during every season, up-north adventures at the Schmidt Cabin, kayaking, skiing, concerts galore, + many home and garden projects! OH- and CONSTANT jokes + laughter, too! Chad is also Michelle's right-hand man for EVERY gig she's played since they started dating. The best "groupie" + "roadie" all wrapped into one! <3

A skiing getaway up-north at the Schmidt Cabin- turned into a weekend the couple will never forget! Michelle zipped up her teal Columbia Snowsuit circa 1990 (that she thrifted earlier that week)- ready to shred the slopes of Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Skii Resort. The sun shining, laughter flowing- a day destined to be great! After a few runs, Chad suggested skiing down the "Village Way" run- where there is a spot to sit by the fire + hang under the trees. Michelle convinced Chad to snap a few pics of her in her one-of-a-kind snow get-up. After playing camera-man, Chad gave Michelle her phone back. He then reached into his pocket- Michelle thought he was grabbing his phone to snap another pic. NOPE! He pulled out a black + gold ring box, got down on one knee- and the most beautiful vintage 50's-60's era gold + diamond ring appeared! Through the shock, tears, + pure joy- SHE SAID YES! A moment of complete surprise- and also of complete certainty. After calling their closest family + friends to share the JOY, the ENGAGED COUPLE shredded the slopes a little longer. The happy pair celebrated the wonderful moment at their FAVORITE dinner spot- Pearls New Orleans Kitchen, of course! Chad, as always, was the perfect gentleman. He asked Michelle's Dad for permission the week before- and told her Mom the happy surprise, too! (Huge props to Franny for keeping the secret! LOL) *FUN FACT* Did you know the couple usually calls each other by their middle names (LOU(is) + MARIE)?! What started off as a silly joke- became the norm!