Our story began seven minutes later than both Elle and Michael had agreed it would.

In July 2023, we connected through an online-dating app. After our text messages turned into first-date plans, we met up at Iron Hill Brewery, in Buckhead, Georgia. As Elle always does, she showed up exactly on her own time – seven minutes late.

Inside the restaurant, neither of us could decide on a beer. We split a plate of nachos, talked about travel and going skydiving one day, and shared many laughs. The conversation was very good. Afterwards, we said our goodbyes.

A day later, Michael—feeling uncharacteristically confident that Elle would see him again—texted Elle to set up a second date. Her one-word response could not have sounded less reassuring: “Sure.”

The next nine months felt like they went by in mere days. We traveled together – to Seaside, Florida, Blue Ridge, Georgia, and northern Italy. Michael became a de-facto dog dad to Elle’s golden retriever, Walter, and learned what “yahs” and “paw-paws” are. Elle politely declined Michael’s offers to cook Hamburger Helper (his specialty), but gladly accepted his ground-beef tacos. Many episodes of “Survivor” and “College Gameday” were shared together. Elle continues to resist Michael’s efforts to be on time.

Our engagement period has gone by equally quickly. Michael moved in with Elle to her home in Buckhead. We then purchased a home together in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur, Georgia. We continue to plan future travels, garden and house renovations, and weekend activities over neighborhood walks with Walter and afternoons on our front porch. We eagerly await our honeymoon to France.

We both firmly believe that live is best lived and experienced together. We are so grateful for each other, and for our family and friends. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all as we say “I do” at Canoe.