Mike and Pierce first met in spring of 2016. While attending law school, Mike frequently passed through Kalamazoo, Michigan on his way back to Indiana. During one of these trips, the two connected on Tinder and had their first date soon after. After a few months of seeing each other, Pierce asked Mike to officially date, with one ultimatum - if they were to get engaged Mike would have to be the one to propose.

Mike finished up school in 2017 and joined Pierce in Kalamazoo. After living in Kalamazoo for a couple of years, they adopted Clementine and Winston. They bought their home in 2020 and have enjoyed making it their own since then.

Pierce and Mike planned for a vacation to Jamaica in fall of 2024. After nearly a decade of dating, Mike intended on fulfilling his end of the promise to Pierce. After a few days of enjoying their time, Mike proposed to Pierce on the beach during a stormy night.