How did you two meet?
Michael: "Even though we’re both from Montgomery, we didn’t actually meet until we went to Auburn. During our freshman year at Auburn, we became good friends and remained friends throughout our time in college. Despite just being friends for a while she was always someone I really enjoyed spending time with. From the beginning Cat was also one of the easiest people to talk to and was truly a great friend that I knew was always going to be there for me. During my fifth year at Auburn when I was getting my Masters in Accounting, Cat was fortunately also still in town. We started going to dinner fairly regularly but still just as friends. The more and more we hung out the more I realized how stupid I was for not pursuing a relationship sooner. From very early on in our dating relationship I knew she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I’m thankful each and every day for having Cat as my fiancé."
Cat: "I love looking back on Michael and mine’s relationship and seeing how God weaved the most perfect path for us to end up with one another. Even though we’re both from Montgomery, we didn’t meet actually meet until our freshman year at Auburn. Over the next several years, we became great friends. I remember always enjoying spending time with him and how I thought he always gave the best advice. As our friendship progressed so did our care and liking for one another. Ever since our first date, I knew our relationship was something special. I cannot wait to marry Michael!"
How and when did Michael propose?
Michael: "February 6th. I had told Cat we were going to Montgomery for my grandmother’s birthday party on a Saturday afternoon. Auburn was playing Ole Miss in basketball that day so I asked if we could go to Montgomery early and go to her parents’ house to watch the game before the birthday party. Obviously, the birthday party was just a ploy and instead both of our families were waiting for us at Cat’s house. I think I held it together and didn’t spoil anything on the drive-- blaming any nerves I had on the Auburn basketball game coming up. When we got to her house, I parked in the front which I never did so at this point I think she knew something was going on. It was a slightly rainy day so her mom had left us boots and an umbrella at the front door. I then walked Cat through her backyard to their pier on their pond. Her mom and grandmother had set up the pier with flower arrangements. Everything looked perfect. I honestly don’t remember what all I said but I’m so blessed that Cat said yes. We then went back into the house where we were greeted by family. It was truly the best day of my life."
Cat: "I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect day! Michael is a big planner; so, I had an idea that the engagement would be happening soon (because he told me). But I truly had no idea he was going to propose the weekend that he did. He told me the week before that we would be traveling to our hometown to celebrate his grandmother’s birthday. Michael’s mom even called him when he was with me to tell him about the party and that we needed to pick up a sweet card for her. A couple of days before the proposal weekend, he mentioned that we should go a little early so that we could be in Montgomery in time to watch the Auburn basketball game at my parents’ house. As we pulled into the driveway, I started to sense that something was different about that day. Once we got out of the car, Michael walked us through the back yard to our pier. While at the pier, he shared that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and asked me to marry him. We then celebrated the rest of the day with our families. February 6th was most perfect day!"
What are some things you two enjoy doing together?
Michael: "Attending Auburn athletic events. In general, I think we both really enjoy going to the games together and getting to spend time together with our families and friends. The first time I met Cat’s parents was at an Auburn basketball game when we were still friends. The first time I travelled with Cat we went to Nashville for the SEC Championship. Our first date was the Auburn St. Louis basketball game in Birmingham and coincidentally enough-- Auburn is actually playing St. Louis again on our wedding date. I knew after our first date if Cat still wanted to date me after seeing me at Auburn athletic events, we had a good shot of making it."
Cat: "Luckily, Michael and I enjoy and are interested in many of the same things! While Auburn athletic events are probably at the top of the list, you can always catch us eating out on pretty much any night of the week! Michael and I are also family oriented, and love spending time with our families."
Michael-- describe Cat in three words:
Michael: "Cat is caring. From the very beginning when we were just friends, Cat was very intentional on genuinely seeing how I was doing. She was always there to help me or provide advice for any and all things I was struggling with. As our relationship grew from friendship to a dating relationship and now an engagement, Cat has become even more caring. Cat is selfless-- she is truly one of the most selfless people I know. She puts everyone before herself, always doing her absolute best to help everyone without thinking of her own interests. Her selflessness is one of the things I admire most about her. Cat is thoughtful. In both our friendship and relationship Cat has always been extremely thoughtful. Whether it’s showing up with a random little gift to make my day or providing the perfect live advice at the right time, Cat’s thoughtfulness is always on display."
Cat-- describe Michael in three words:
Cat: "Michael is patient, thoughtful, and intelligent. He always knows how to read me in any situation. If I’m overwhelmed, he knows how to calm me down. If I’m down, he knows how to cheer me up. If I’m excited, he’s the first to celebrate with me. He knows me so well, and I couldn’t imagine life without him."
