Melanie and Jeffery met during high school, “Jeffrey used to pick me up for school before I had my license. It wasn’t until 2 years out of college when we started dating.” Their grandparents had known each other since immigrating from Lebanon, “Melanie and I started spending a lot of time together in high school when her mom asked me to drive her everyday.”
“Jeffrey and I were heading up to Traverse City, to spend time with his family and celebrate his birthday..or so I thought. We woke up Friday morning and decided to go hike the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. We typically just stay at his family cottage so this was a fun little adventure for the two of us. We got to the other side on Lake Michigan and set up a little space to swim and lay out in the sunshine. I was walking out to go swimming when Jeffrey stopped me and said “I want to be Situ & Papa one day” (our Lebanese grandparents) then he got down on one knee, asked me to marry him and slipped the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen on my finger. It was a complete shock and absolute dream. The first time in my life I have ever been speechless.” As a surprise, Jeffery had arranged Melanie’s family to fly to Michigan from California when they got back from their hike.
“I knew we were meant for each other after our first official date in Lansing. Our families have known each other for such a long time, which made it easy for us to start spending time with them as well. Everything between us was very natural and playful, nothing had to be forced and immediately it felt like I had a new best friend.” During this date is when they both knew they were meant for one another.
“We enjoy spending time at the lake with our dog, Nala. Actually anything with her really – walks, play dates, long runs…our world basically revolves around our puppy.”