It all started with a rose.

But not in the way you would expect.

In March of 2021, Michael was at his apartment in Lynchburg, Virginia, browsing through profiles on the dating app Hinge.

He was scanning the profile of a girl with a name he had never seen before - Vasilea. Between the thumb-stopping name and interesting profile, he made a decision to send his one weekly virtual rose to her.

The digital gesture was a success.

Vasilea accepted it - and so the story began.

She and Michael bonded over common interests and values. Soon, they started seeing each other regularly.

Their adventures have taken them far and wide. From Connecticut to Georgia, the two have explored seashores, wineries, hockey arenas and everything in between.

Internationally, they’ve watched beautiful sunrises over breakfast in Mexico and enjoyed sunset dinners in Greece.

But the most distinct moment of their relationship was etched on Oct. 5, 2024.

During that clear autumn evening in Knoxville, Tennessee, Michael walked Vasilea from downtown to the city’s iconic Sunsphere in World’s Fair Park.

Standing together on a pedestrian bridge with the clear sky, Sunsphere and a water fountain in the background (there definitely was not a suspicious-looking photographer in sight), the question that inevitably brought you to read our story was asked.

We’re excited for you to join us as we celebrate our wedding. Roanoke is our hometown, making this a special moment for us and our families.

V&M