Mike & Steph

How It All Started...

 

Mike and Steph met sophomore year at Leland High School in math class. With last names beginning with the letter "H", they were seated next to each other. Mike asked Steph to tutor him for an upcoming exam. They met after school a few times. Mike ended up getting 100% on the test and Steph got a 92%. She was not pleased that he outperformed her and she started to question whether Mike actually needed a tutor :)  As a thank you gesture, Mike asked Steph to the movies...and that's how it all started

 

After high school, Mike pursued his studies at UC Davis and Steph attended UC Berkeley.  They managed to see each other often on the weekends for SF adventures, food excursions, and so on. After college, Steph took a position teaching English in Paris for a year, and Mike accompanied her for several months. Paris became a very special place for the two of them. They both shared a love for French culture and food, and basked in the ample photography adventures the city had to offer. 

 

After a magical year in Paris, Steph started law school at UC Davis -- which was perfect because Mike was employed as a researcher in a Bioengineering lab at UC Davis. The following year, Mike took off to New York for graduate school (and Steph lost her wonderful cook…)

 

As Steph was nearing in on graduating from law school and Mike became employed by a consulting firm in San Jose, coupled with the fact that they were about to celebrate their “10 year anniversary”, Mike had a thought…

 

The Engagement!

 

Spring 2014, Mike surprised Steph with a trip to Paris!

 

On their second day in Paris, Mike nonchalantly mentioned he needed something from the grocery store, and left Steph in the apartment they were renting. A few moments later, Steph heard a knock at the door. There was no peep hole, and she was a bit uneasy about opening the door for a stranger. The person was persistent however, and concerned that limited French-speaking Mike may be in a “situation” Steph opened the door – and there stood Tilly! (Tilly and Steph both taught English together during Steph's year in France.) Tilly informed Steph that she would be her Tour Guide on a scavenger hunt organized by Mike. The two of them proceeded to various stops throughout the city (which of course were Steph’s favorite places.) At each venue, Steph was greeted by yet another friend from her Year in Paris who provided her with the next clue. The scavenger hunt ended  back at the apartment, where Mike was waiting with flowers. Mike proposed and Steph said oui! Woot!