You guys this love story is one of my favorites yet. This amazing girl is my friend’s (and amazing hairdresser’s) twin sister. These two girls have hearts of gold and their sisterly love for each other is so sweet. This couple has endured so much over the years and has grown closer to each other because of it. Their love story is one that hits home for me because my husband and I have gone through our own health journey over the past 5 years. I love their love story because it is raw, honest and beautiful. I hope you enjoy Alyssa & Mike’s Yosemite Engagement Session and their love story below.

Thier love story told by Alyssa:

“Michael and I met while we were both servers at a burger restaurant called Islands in Southern CA. He was the kind of person who was nice to everyone he came into contact with. That’s what really attracted me to him, and of course, his super attractive looks were a huge bonus! We started out as friends, and as we slowly got to know each other we both realized we had so many things in common, and were similar in many ways. Michael confessed to me he had a brain tumor, and just the year prior had an awake brain surgery to remove it. As each day passed my feelings grew for him, and we started dating on November 23^rd, 2012. Our 3^rd date Mike took me to Corona del Mar beach and we shared our first kiss. That soon became the place where we went on many dates. Corona Del Mar was also the place Michael first told me he loved me.

Fast forward a year and we were so in love.  We had this unspoken bond and friendship that everyone could see. We decided to move to Northern CA, so Michael could receive treatment at Stanford University. The following year we were devastated to find out Mike had to undergo another awake craniotomy because his tumor was growing. Mike endured 5 and a half hours of an awake brain surgery. I was in the waiting room more scared then I had ever been in my life. Michael and I had been together for 3 years, and I knew he was the love of my life and always would be. I was sitting there in the waiting room feeling unimaginable fear and in agony for Michael. I was in the waiting room and I heard those O.R. doors open and I ran overhearing Michael saying, “Alyssa?” I need her. As soon as I heard him say my name I knew him and I could get through anything for the rest of our lives, as long as we are together. I can’t even begin to express the joy that overcame me, as tears rushed down my face. Michael was smiling at me with bandages around his head.

We were astonished to find out Mike’s surgeon had performed nothing short of a miracle. There was less than 1% of tumor left and Mike had no damage to his speech. 3 weeks later mike began radiation and 6^th months of grueling chemotherapy. It has now been 3 years since his chemotherapy, and we are learning to enjoy all the little things in life. We have been going out as often as we can to enjoy the outdoors and to enjoy each other.  This last December we went to Southern CA to visit my family for Christmas. On December 21, 2018, Michael took me to Corona Del Mar beach so we could walk along the sand. All of a sudden, I turned around to find Mike down on his knee asking me to spend forever with him. I, of course, said yes because I always knew Michael was the one. He is the one I can be myself with, and yet so much more. He is the one I can share every laugh, tear, smile, fear, affection, concern, and dream with.  Wherever Michael is will always be mine forever home.  “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage”. This quote is the true definition of love and embodies mike and I’s journey together” – Alyssa