Well it all started back in 1998. We met through mutual friends at the good old Sound Factory, back when San Francisco had a lot going on. A fun friendship began from that moment but nothing more. The two of us never had any intentions of dating each other. Over the next two years we hung out in the same circle of friends and our friendship became closer. We started to hang out more together then just with our group of friends. The weird part, we enjoyed it. We were only friends but we began to notice that we had a lot of fun when we were with each other. Mike made me laugh a lot and I found myself to feel very comfortable around him. He became my buddy and vice versa. Hanging out once in a while turned into once a week to twice a week and more. Still there were no intentions, so we thought.

In 2000 the unimaginable happened, our first kiss. Where did this come from? Butterflies and excitement…what did this mean? No way was this happening. Mike, the quiet suave guy, and Cortney, the naïve East Bay party girl, were not hooking up, but in fact we were. Friends with benefits, is that what they call it? But the catch was there were feelings there, but neither one of us wanted to admit it. We saw each other, secretly (OK some people new) for about 6 months. What was going on? Something we both enjoyed but couldn't figure out. After awhile, we took a break. Was this what we wanted for the rest of our lives? This was a thought that never crossed both of our minds. We were just having fun. Feelings were there so the logical answer to me, let's stop talking. Alright yes I know, drama…but it worked. :)

Probably about 5-6 months we did not speak. Of course we would see each other out in about but no words were exchanged. From time to time Mike would try to say Hello or something to me but I did not budge. In fact I was quite mean. Mike still did his thing, he was not bothered. Truth of the matter was we both liked each other but didn't see it going anywhere. Mike could be friends, but I could not, at least not at the time. Then the last Second Sunday party rolled along for the year, remember when that was fun and not commercialized? Anywho, we were both there. Both of us were there with different friends and having a great time. The inevitable was bound to happen. At one point I turned around and Mike was right there. Mike said Hi. I finally let the wall down. We talked all night and had a great time. When the party was over I got on Mike's motorcycle (ducati at this time) and we went for a ride. I did not want the night to end.

From that night on we were basically inseparable. We rekindled our friendship and in a matter of 2-3 weeks our relationship began. What can I say…we fell in love with each other. Hard to believe this is already 5 years ago. Over the years we have been through a lot together but the love and friendship we have is undeniable. The connection I feel with him is unlike anything I have ever felt before. It is truly a blessing to be together every day. I could not imagine my life without Mike and I know he feels the same. He has helped me to become the person I am today and that I thank him for. I would not be complete with out him.

We are very fortunate to have great families and friends. We would like to thank you all for sharing a special part in our lives. There are certain few of you, and you know who you are, that I want to specially thank for sticking behind Mike and I through the years. Although we will always be great together, your support made more of a difference then you will ever know.

To our families, thank you for all the support and love you have given us and continue to give. We couldn't be blessed more. We both feel truly lucky every day of our lives. Now we begin the next step of our journey together, marriage and start our own family!