Although I can honestly say that meeting Mike for the first time was full of fireworks and passion, these initial sparks were perhaps a bit out of the ordinary. On a sticky summer night at the Carol Street Café, I laughed and drank white wine with both old and new friends. As the evening wore on, I noticed that a guy I’d never met before (enter Mike) was staring at me through his half-empty frozen strawberry daiquiri glass (yep… I’m talkin’ tropical umbrella and all). Even later, as our gathering moved from sitting in the Café to playing late night bocce ball in Inman Park, I found myself in the midst of a heated argument about gender issues with this guy. Having pegged him as stereotypically frustrating, I walked off in a fury, and he walked off in what he has since described as a state of bewilderment. Perhaps it was his genuine curiosity or my need to prove that I was right that caused us to seek one another out again and again that summer. In the oppressive Atlanta heat, we continued to fight, to laugh, to talk, and to listen. At the end of that summer, I think he realized that I was absolutely the most confusing woman alive, and I realized that he was anything but stereotypical. Now, four years later, our fights still can spark fireworks, but this passion is also what drives our love. My mother once said that I’d know I found the right man if at the end of the day, I would rather be with him that without him. I can honestly say that at the end of each of my days, it is his face that I look forward to seeing, his stories that I look forward to hearing, and his life that I look forward to sharing.

In the true spirit of the way we live our lives, Mike and I want our ceremony and reception, which will both be held at the Solarium in Oakhurst, to be simple and inviting. Immediately following the outdoor ceremony, our reception will be held inside the Solarium building. While planning our reception, Mike and I aimed to stay mindful of what is truly important to both of us—good friends and good fun. So, friends, please join us in a casual night full of our favorites—good pizza, good beer and wine, and good music!

Mike and I would like to take a moment to thank all of our friends and family for supporting us as we plan for this important day in both of our lives. Your gifts of love and time have made wedding planning that much easier, which will make our upcoming nuptials that much more special. Tough times in both of our lives have taught Mike and I the importance of guiding hands and hearts. We sincerely thank all of you for these gifts as we take this important step to share our lives and to continue to grow with one another.