In July 2015, Lupine and I decided that we should buy a building to house our business. Saying the process was stressful at times would be an understatement. At one point, we even wrote out a pros and cons list to see if we actually wanted to push forward with it. Luckily the pros outweighed the cons and onward we went, because I never thought to add that it would mean I would meet my best friend and future husband onto that list. The first time I walked into my new building and met Whit, I was instantly attracted to him. In some strange way, I knew he would be important in my life. We walked around the building, talked construction, etc. At some point, we decided to go on the roof and see what condition it was in. He followed me up the ladder. Halfway up, I turned around and looked at him with a flirtatious smile and said, "so... I used to be a contractor". The reciprocating smile said it all. We now had a secret crush on each other. -Michelle

Fast forward almost two years... the building is finished and likewise, unbeknownst to either of us, so are both of our previous relationships. Whit texts me completely out of the blue, "Hey! Cocktails? Yea?" I texted back, "Whit, this is Michelle, was that text for me?" Whit texts back, "Yes it was for you, Michelle!" -Michelle We agreed to meet at Ex Patriot in NE Portland for a cocktail. It was a beautiful early summer evening and we fell into easy conversation. We agreed later that sparks were flying in both directions from the beginning. As we discussed some shared musical interests Michelle asked who my favorite Beatle was. Without much thought I said George. I could see the sparkle in her eye as she agreed. The rest of the night felt like we were discovering one similarity after another. Magic. Sadly, Michelle left the next day for an East Coast vacation and we didn't see each other for over a week. When she returned we picked up where we left off and I'm still smitten by her smile, quick wit and abundant kindness. -Whit

For our second anniversary, we went to the bar where we had our first unplanned date - Expatriate. It was casual, we decided to have a drink, split a burger and head back home to take Jed for a walk in the late sun. Whit went to the restroom and came back white as a ghost. I had a mouthful of burger. Without speaking any words, Whit reached for my hand and attempted to slide a ring onto my finger. He was so nervous that all he said was, "it doesn't fit." Abruptly swallowing the rest of my burger, I responded with, "are you asking me to marry you?" He said yes and we both teared up, hugging, laughing and crying all at the same time. Glasses of champagne quickly arrived from a couple watching the whole thing happen. The proposal was sweet, simple and exactly as it should be. The ring fit, by the way. -Michelle