Michael and I first started getting to know one another in true millennial fashion- in cyberspace. Although social media first connected us, we met for the first time on June 1, 2019. Michael had invited me to his Wednesday night Bible study, also known to us as “Taco Night”, on June 5th. Michael asked if we could meet up for dinner at Rock N Roll Sushi (since sushi is both of our favorite foods) the weekend beforehand so that I would have at least one friend at Taco Night. I accepted because I felt like I had been giving hints for quite some time that I wanted to meet him.
I was initially drawn towards Michael because of his obvious passion for Christ and serving others. When we met for the first time, these passions and his sense of humor and love for his family made me even crazier about him! I don’t tell many people this, but on this day I wondered if he could be “the one.” I laugh at our messages to each other now because it seems pretty obvious that we were interested in each other…but it would be exactly 5 months before our relationship was official!
Over those 5 months, I was amazed at how comfortable I felt around Michael, and I loved spending time with him. I’ve always felt painfully introverted but he never failed to make me feel at ease so I knew he was someone special. After many lunches, dinners, and movies he asked me to officially be his girlfriend on November 1st, 2019.
Over the next year, my love for him grew as he showed me how hard-working, caring, respectful, patient, and fun he was…
THEN, in December 2020, I was off work and able to celebrate Christmas with my favorite person…and little did I know…soon-to-be fiancé! I drove up from Muscle Shoals, AL to Franklin, TN on Christmas Eve. When I arrived, Michael told me that we would be having brunch at Ruby Sunshine on our own while his parents were doing “some last minute Christmas stuff.” During brunch, Michael was much more quiet than usual. I rambled for 30 minutes straight and grew suspicious that something was going on because Michael is always the best conversationalist. When we left the restaurant, he said he had “something he wanted to show me” at the Christmas tree in the middle of downtown Franklin. This was the moment I knew what was about to happen, and the surprise of it almost led me to fall right off the sidewalk…but thankfully Michael was holding my hand! After walking a full 360 degrees around the tree and seeing Michael’s dad with a camera in hand, Michael proposed!
He then insisted I call my parents…several times. I called them and assumed they were in Muscle Shoals because my mom had to work Christmas Eve morning. As we were “walking to Starbucks”, we stopped by the Franklin Theater. After encouragement to look at the theater marquee, I see “Will you marry me Monica?” It was so romantic! Then, I turn around and see my mom and dad behind me! It was such a surprise to have my family there. Afterwards, I asked if we could legitimately go to Starbucks for a cup of coffee because it was quite cold outside- truly the best day ever!
Over 2 years after first meeting, I love this man more than ever! Knowing him has been such a blessing and joy to me, and I cannot wait to be his wife on 1/22/22!