Our love story started like all great love stories of the 21st century - through the internet. Bri swiped right on Mike when she saw photos of his full beard and adorable black lab, Mike sent Bri a message because she was dressed like a Bear’s super fan.
After courting each other via Hinge messages (and eventually text messages) for about a week, the day came to meet in person. It was a “too hot for spring” April day in Dallas. The pair hit it off over a couple of white tea shots and some food truck grub. Mike liked Bri despite her spilling queso on herself throughout the evening. Little did he know he would be committing to be with this food stained klutz forever…
This photo was taken about four hours after the pair met in person. Bri dragged Mike to a friend’s engagement party and Mike was too enamored (and maybe a little too buzzed) to run from the potential awkwardness. I'm glad I (Mike) forced Bri to take this picture, it was either going to be a great choice or a giant red flag. My gamble paid off.
Shortly after starting to date, Mike invited Bri on his planned trip to Valencia, Spain for his birthday. The pair then realized that not only were their birthdays three days apart (two Leos, yikes), but they both shared a love of travel.
Neither being native to Texas, Mike and Bri were both individually searching for new jobs (and new cities) when they met. The stars aligned when they were both offered positions in San Francisco. Still early into the relationship, the pair likes to say that they moved adjacent to each other, rather than together.
Like all good stories, it starts with Mike's lack of impulse control when redeeming credit card points.
About a month before Thanksgiving, Mike was burned out and mindlessly scrolling airline points redemptions sites when he saw two business class seats on Virgin to London direct from SFO for 30k points each. He booked, and asked for forgiveness later.
30 days later they were on a five day trip to Brussels, Bruges, and London for five nights. After an 11 hour flight and a 4 hour train ride, they made it to the fry and chocolate capital of Belgium, where they immediately went to take a selfie in front of the peeing baby statue, because... what else do you do in Brussels?
It was fun, however, Mike has been instructed not to book flights without his partners approval moving forward, because jet lag is awful.
After 2ish years together, the pair decided to relocate to Denver. Before they said their goodbyes to California, Mike booked a trip to Yosemite for some hiking and relaxation.
Mike asked Bri to join him for an early morning four hour hike, with the promise of great views and a steak dinner after. Despite her bum foot and newly discovered altitude sickness, Bri begrudgingly agreed (a true sign of love).
Midway through the hike, when Bri refused to climb up another boulder, Mike got on one knee. Through gasping breaths the pair agreed to be together forever.