They first crossed paths in autumn as undergraduate students at the University of Georgia. After their first date—a walk with Emma, Annie's beloved dog—Annie couldn’t help but call her mom. Half-joking, half-serious, she declared, "I think I just met the man I’m going to marry."

Michael, at just 22, had a life plan as structured as his double majors in History and Religion. Annie, on the other hand, lived for spontaneity. It was this contrast that drew them together. Michael loved Annie's zest for life, and Annie admired Michael’s steadiness. Together, they balanced each other in ways neither of them knew they needed. Annie would dream up adventurous date ideas, and Michael would make them happen with thoughtful precision.

When Michael’s hard work paid off, and he earned a full ride to University of Georgia’s School of Law, Annie was overjoyed. It meant they had more time together. Michael wasted no time and moved into the same apartment complex down the hall from Annie. Like any law school couple, Michael’s rigorous curriculum tested them. Gone were the endless hours of free time, now replaced with dense casebooks and late-night study sessions. Annie, understanding the challenges, embraced the philosophy that love isn’t always 50/50. She stepped up, cleaning Michael’s apartment, cooking meals, and being the steady support he needed. These small acts weren't just gestures; they became the foundation of a partnership rooted in care and resilience.

Then came a new chapter: Annie’s graduation and move to Atlanta for a career in insurance underwriting. Weekend visits and daily phone calls became their lifeline. Michael’s unwavering belief in Annie gave her the courage to dream bigger. When she felt unfulfilled at work, Michael was the first to say, "You would be an excellent lawyer." With his encouragement, Annie took the leap and applied to law school.

As Annie started her first year at Georgia State University College of Law, Michael entered his final year at UGA Law. Their roles reversed—Michael became the one driving to Atlanta on weekends, cooking meals, and helping Annie navigate the challenges of her 1L year. The foundation they had built grew even stronger, proving they could adapt to whatever life threw their way.

In October 2023, Michael planned a proposal that mirrored the magic of their beginning. On a golden afternoon, they took a walk surrounded by the colors of autumn, just like they had on their first date. This time, hidden among the trees, Michael had tucked away love letters chronicling their journey. At the end of the trail, he knelt with one final question: "Will you marry me?"

In 2024, Michael graduated and began working at a law firm in Marietta. Finally, they are in the same city again, excitedly planning their forever. From concerts to graduations, road trips to races, they’ve built a life full of love, laughter, and countless adventures.

They aren’t the same people they were when they first met five years ago. They’re stronger, braver, and better—all because of the way they’ve challenged and supported each other. Their love story is a testament to growth, partnership, and the belief that the best is yet to come.