We initially met at the Banque (a line dancing bar) through mutual friends. Mike was ever the gentleman and asked Karlee for a dance. Once on the dance floor, Mike was a man of very few words. We ended our dance, and we went about our separate ways, not expecting much to come from it.

However, a few weeks after, we began chattin' again. Karlee quickly realized Mike was more of a talker than she was, and we began to open up. A few texts and long phone calls later, Mike asked Karlee to be his girlfriend on July 5th, 2019. Karlee was hesitant at first, but thought, "what could go wrong?"

After we had a few sushi dates, hikes, and trips to the Banque we realized that our feelings for each other were deepening. To Mike's dismay, he could tell Karlee was reserved with her heart and was unsure about a "relationship." However, this strengthened his resolve, and he decided he was going to "break down the wall" that Karlee had put up. Mike encouraged Karlee to open up and not be afraid of the "L-word." Much to both of our surprise, Karlee ripped off the Band-Aid first and said those three little words that changed everything - "I love you."

Mike immediately said it back and our relationship continued to grow and deepen. With Mike's deployments, Karlee's summers back at home, and the craziness of life, our love developed into something that distance could not leave a mark on. Ever since, we feel like our relationship has continued to grow, just as we have. From kids who didn't have a clue, to young adults who have found joy in the Lord and in each other, our story is just the intro to the rest of our lives.

Registry