It was December 31st 2022 in Austin, TX when Michael received a text from Viggie Smalls suggesting a New Year plan:

Go to a house party, say hi to some LA "friends," and call it a night.

"No way," Michael objected. That sound lllllllaaaame, I want to go *OUT* out."

"It'll just be for a little bit, then we can leave to go 'out' out" was Viggie's retort. "Listen, I'm driving all the way from Dallas, the least you can do is pop in and meet my friends."

"Ugh, fiiinnnne. But we're leaving IMMEDIATELY after you're done," came Michael's concession (allegedly).

After about 30 minutes into the so-called "house party," Smalls came to check in on Michael, who was talking to the LA "friends," Peter and Deborah.

"You uh, ready to go?" He asked.

"Go? What are you talking about!?" Michael gasped, almost spitting out his drink. "We're staying here." Gesturing to the *tiny* asian woman nursing her drink in the corner...talking to absolutely nobody.

He noticed that she was shuffling in her purse by the bar in a very conspicuous manner; clearly about to disappear without saying goodbye to anyone. He sauntered over, playing the game of "let me fill up my drink while I investigate."

"Looking for something?" he asked her.

"Oh, um...no, was just looking for something in my purse."

"Uh-huh" came his slightly confused reply as he took out his little box of Davidoff cigars. He poured himself a drink.

"Are those cigars?" She asked.

"Mhmm," he replied. "Do you smoke?"

"No," she said, "but I've tried it before."

"Would you like one?" He asked. "I'm just about to smoke one now."

"Oh, I'll just have a puff of yours." she stated, almost asking.

Internally, his mind just made a mental note - she was open-minded but shy, and no matter how much she tried, she wasn't a people person.

Green flags.

They went outside and stood on the porch, asking the usual questions before swapping NYC stories in varying accents as they shared the small cigar, which had facilitated the evening's conversational encore.

They exchanged numbers and stayed in touch, hanging out at jazz lounges over cocktails for the next four months as they talked about anything and everything, eventually going *out* out as a couple to a candlelight showcase of Hans Zimmer.

It was music and cigars that brought them together, but it was art, depth, beauty, and form amidst chaos that kept them there.

Contrary to what you might have gathered, they were both very different and had to revisit the relational table several times before asking for the check. They took time off, each in turn, and yet, they couldn't stay away.

It, like many great things, took time, patience, and intention.

Over the last (almost) 3 years, they've learned much about themselves and each other. They've cried, they've laughed (Deborah much more than Michael), and through hard work and tough conversations (and a few more cigars), they built a foundation of truth, trust, and lovingkindness which they invite you to christen with them on this, their wedding day.

On that day, their individual stories will end, and one intertwined epic will begin. It will be their true beginning, with you as a witness to their story of East meets West, city meets country, and David(off) meets Goliath.

Oh, what a beautiful day it will be.