Connect How did your love story begin?

It actually began 13 years before we started dating! We both worked at the same Italian restaurant, I worked in the kitchen and she worked as a server. I always had a crush on her but she was a few years older than me. I was 17 at the time and she was 21. There was a bit of an age gap but we always got along well. So when we reconnected 3 years ago I had a feeling I can’t explain getting the opportunity to be with someone I’ve always had a crush on, it felt unreal.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

Probably our engagement. One of our first dates was at the historic Burt’s Warehouse in Eastern Market, Detroit, MI where during the Saturday market they host karaoke. I knew she liked karaoke so I had to show her Burt’s. It’s been a tradition for us ever since so it was a no brainer to propose to her there during her performance of “shoop” a song she sings that's known to get the party started. Little did I know she always dreamed of me proposing to her there. It was magical. She had no idea

What would you do with $20,000?

We are both entrepreneurs. She owns and operates a standup paddleboard company called Bucket List Exp in our hometown of St. Clair Shores, MI. I’m her side kick in that. I operate an instagram page where I highlight restaurants, home cooking and host popups. I’ve had the opportunity to partner with a lot of cool companies, sports teams etc. we would invest the money in to our business so we can provide a great future for our son (my step son) who I’ve grown such a good relationship with!