For Mike and Rachel, the start of puppy love turned into something much deeper throughout the years. While volunteering at the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad (WARS) in Crozet, Virginia, the two become close friends over their shared love of Rachel’s foster puppies.
Puppy love to true love
Rachel would frequently bring her foster dogs to the rescue squad. In fact, one of Mike’s best memories is when they would sit on the porch at squad together and play with the two puppies they would eventually adopt. Rachel fell in love with her foster pups and adopted the girl dog, Pippa. Mike found out and decided to adopt Pippa’s sibling, Posy. If you ask Mike, he not only adored the dog but Rachel too. He wanted an opportunity to spend more time with Rachel outside of the squad. The two would take their puppy siblings for walks in the dog park. Their dog park adventures turned into complete admiration for each other, and 4 months later they decided to move in together!
Popping the Question
Of course, when Mike decided to pop the question, he knew the dogs had to be involved! Mike dressed up the four dogs in shirts that read “Will you marry me?” She said yes and the rest was history! It’s been 3 years since Rachel and Mike have been together, and their love will become official when they tie the knot in June 2019 at Moss Vineyards in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Here On Out
Both are UVA graduates, but the Charlottesville connection doesn’t end there. They are both die hard Dave Matthews Band fans. One of Rachel’s fondest memories, is when they flew to Mexico to see the band perform. They had just started dating, so they were still in the” getting-to-know you” phase. Let’s just say they learned a lot about each other that trip! They have seen the band perform every year since then, so it’s only fitting that Dave Matthews’ “Here On Out” will be their first dance song. The words “is it okay if I call you mine, from here on out? As if I could ever stop” fit so perfectly into Mike and Rachel’s love story. Can’t wait to see where their story begins as husband in wife!
