It all started with bicep curls.

Well, not exactly, but that is what Bill would want you to believe. It started at Midway Gym in Tina’s "Bars Up" class. Three times a week, between sets, we began to talk and get to know each other. What started as simple gym small talk quickly turned into the highlight of our week. Before we knew it, our gym crew started heading out for Happy Hours, and the friendship we built over barbells began to bloom outside the gym walls.

I (Michelle) tried to be helpful. I dropped hints—several of them, actually—letting Bill know that I was more than open to him asking me on a proper date. But as it turns out, Bill is much better at lifting weights than he is at reading subtle signals! I failed to get the point across every single time.

Thankfully, every great story needs a wingman. Bill’s friend Randy finally stepped in and gave him the "clue" he was missing, letting him know I was interested. With a little bit of encouragement and a final push from Randy, Bill finally made his move, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.

When it came time for Bill to propose, he knew there was only one place that felt right. In the sweetest and fitting tribute to where we began, he got down on one knee right in the middle of our gym class. Surrounded by the weights, the music, and the community that saw us fall in love, he asked me to be his wife.

I didn't need any hints that day—I immediately said yes!