Our Story

Like many great love stories, Michelle’s and Stuart’s began with a false start. They first crossed paths at a 2019 Super Bowl party hosted by Michelle's sister, Nicole, where they noticed each other but didn't connect. The real magic happened a few months later at trivia night at Mad Oak in Oakland. Michelle had all but given up on dating when Stuart showed up and joined their team, "You’re a Quizard, Harry." Despite being self-proclaimed trivia novices, they found common ground in their encyclopedic knowledge of Selena Gomez songs—a sign of true compatibility if there ever was one.

Their friendship blossomed over more trivia nights and group ski trips to Tahoe. It was during one of these trips at Alpine Meadows that they had what Stuart now fondly calls their "unofficial first date"—though Michelle didn't realize it at the time. Stuart's version of events: seeing an opportunity to impress this incredible woman, he spent the afternoon regaling her with his most fascinating travel stories (climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, hiking the Salkantay Trail, traveling through Southeast Asia). Michelle's response? Polite interest at best. Stuart was convinced it was a disaster. Michelle's version: with a drained social battery after a fun-packed weekend with friends, she had planned to take a quiet afternoon reading while the group continued skiing. Despite the misaligned expectations, she was genuinely impressed–enough to ask Stuart out on their official first date a few weeks later.

That first date set the tone for our relationship in the most fitting way: drinks at Pagan Idol (one of the Bay Area's many tiki bars) followed by ramen at Ippudo. Stuart's enthusiasm for tiki bars was so infectious that they somehow ended up at one for each of their first four dates. Beyond their shared appreciation for tropical drinks, they connected over a love of the outdoors, traveling, and food adventures.

Less than a year into their relationship, COVID hit. So they did what any relatively new couple would do in such a situation (right??): moved in together and adopted their beloved dog, Olliver. While the pandemic brought both challenges and joys, it only made their bond stronger. So strong, in fact, that they decided to test it further with long-distance when Michelle moved across the country to attend Boston University Law School. After a long year apart—a period that convinced them both to never do long-distance again—Stuart made the ultimate gesture of love and relocated to Boston to support Michelle through her law school journey.

During Michelle's final year of law school, they returned to where their story truly began—Lake Tahoe. After a couple of perfect days skiing at Palisades, the two decided to mix things up with a snowshoe adventure. Despite the freezing temperatures and whipping winds, they trekked on until they found themselves alone with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. There, surrounded by the winter beauty of our favorite place, Stuart got down on one knee and asked Michelle to marry him.

Michelle said yes (of course), and the two celebrated in true Stuart-and-Michelle fashion—with beers and brats. The perfect day became even more special when both their families surprised them that evening, having secretly flown in to celebrate. That weekend, Stuart and Michelle took everyone back to Alpine Meadows, the site of their "unofficial first date," bringing their story full circle.

Now, as they prepare to write the next chapter of their story together, they can't wait to celebrate with you!