Mickey and Alex were in the same room for the first time in August of 2019 for graduate school orientation at UNC - Chapel Hill. Mickey had just graduated from the University of Richmond, and Alex had just graduated with his masters at Duke. They were both starting their PhDs, but would not meet until three years later.

In August of 2022, Mickey and Alex met the ~modern~ way by both swiping right on Bumble. Soon after, they bonded over their love of teaching and went on their first date at Gizmo’s (a local brewery in Chapel Hill). After that first date, Mickey and Alex started a weekly tradition of getting coffee Wednesday mornings at “Friends,” a cafe halfway between their buildings on UNC campus.

Since then, Mickey and Alex have been road trip companions, running and gym partners, reading buddies, PhD supporters, and most of all, the best of friends.

In October of 2023, Mickey and Alex were on a road trip back to Chapel Hill and went “glamping” near the Blue Ridge Parkway. The next morning, they decided to do some leaf peeping — admiring fall foliage — and went on a hike. On the hike, Mickey said “that’s a nice tree” and Alex knew it was the perfect spot to propose.

Mickey and Alex are so excited to celebrate with their friends and family at their wedding in November! Hopefully there will be some good leaves to peep.