Rachael and Michael’s story all began in Chico, where they met in the spring of 2014 just before Rachael's senior year and Michael's "super senior" year at Chico State. Initially, they were "just friends," and Rachael would only refer to Michael by his well-known nickname, “MKat.” Even after graduating and moving away, they kept in touch and would reunite at milestone celebrations for friends.

A few years after college, Rachael moved from Huntington Beach to Sacramento, and she reached out to MKat to grab a drink and catch up. This rekindled their friendship, leading to regular meet-ups every few months. The turning point was Rachael's 26th birthday when MKat proposed an adventurous idea: "Do you want to try all the best mac and cheese spots in Sacramento with me?" Rachael said yes. What started as a casual activity turned into delightful date nights. They gradually realized how much they looked forward to mac and cheese dinners, and Rachael began calling MKat by his real name, Michael.

In February 2020, while Rachael was in the hospital, Michael arrived with roses, mac and cheese from their favorite spot, and a stuffed Bernese Mountain Dog (manifesting Barney!). He asked Rachael to be his "official" girlfriend, and she said yes again.

In November of 2023, Michael brought Rachael to their “Great White Buffalo” winery, Domaine Carneros where he got down on one knee, proudly wearing his “Beer Drinking Socks” and asked a very shocked Rachael to marry him. Michael surprised Rachael a week later on her 30th birthday, their beloved Bernedoodle, Barney. Rachael and Michael shared a beautiful home in Land Park for two and a half years and just recently purchased their first home in Rancho Cordova. They have spent the last 4.5+ years traveling to five countries (soon to be seven!) and nine states, and eagerly look forward to more adventures that are already in the works.

They cannot wait for a lifetime of laughter, traveling and mac and cheese. They are thrilled to celebrate their wedding with their favorite people in the place where all of this started, Chico.

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