Our Story
Chapters 1 and 2 written by Mike for the proposal (which you can watch below).
Chapter 3 written by Shiran for you, for this.
Shiran and Mike’s story began in February 2017 in New York City (they technically met years before, but they didn’t really speak... although Shiran insists there were sparks anyway). Shiran was in town for the debut of a show for her clothing line, Unkosher Market, and Mike had been living there for a few years. They were supposed to have a drink with their mutual friend, Alice, but she didn’t come because of a snowstorm. They met up in SoHo anyway because they both happened to be there at the same time, and were inseparable for the rest of trip. Incidentally, meeting someone’s parents on your first and second dates is the least possible amount of pressure for that situation, so make that happen if you can. Free app idea for you tech nerds.
This began a whirlwind long-distance dating adventure that included 13 months of texting and FaceTiming, 39 flights to see each other, meeting all of each other’s friends and family, and the death of Mike’s father, which brought them closer than either could have imagined. Shiran’s support during that time brought her as close with Mike’s family as he was becoming with hers. In the end, Shiran decided to move to Brooklyn so they could see if this long-distance relationship would hold up if there were only inches between them instead of miles.
When Shiran moved to New York, everything changed. Shiran began freelancing. Mike moved into a new place that was big enough for Shiran’s personality (and hats and dresses and hair equipment). Shiran was farther away from her family than she’d been in years, and Mike was going home from bars earlier than he had in years. The only thing that didn’t change was Shiran and Mike’s relationship. As it turned out, their relationship wasn’t so fun because it was easy to be fun when you only see each other once a month - it was fun because they’re perfect for each other, in any place, for any amount of time.
The second year of “Shironaghey” took place not only in New York, but also in Toronto, Morocco, France, Portugal, Belize, Oaxaca, Philadelphia, and all over California, including many trips to Palm Springs (it also included a move to SoHo, minutes away from their first drink). Going all these places for all the different reasons they went showed Shiran and Mike how perfect they are for each other. This year wasn’t just better than the previous year, it was better than every previous year of either of their lives. Of course, Mike is writing this, so that may not be true for both sides, but I guess we’re all about to find out!
Chapter 3
She Said “Yes”
Phew. Shiran said “Yes.” Then again, Mike knew Shiran would say “yes” since Jewish women always tell you exactly what they want (and Shiran did so after their first date). Now that Shiran had a ring on her finger, Mike noticed she was getting considerably more comfortable around him. The toothpaste, for example, began to look like it was assaulted by a third grader every morning. Mike also let his comfortable side set in – draping each article of clothing on a different piece of furniture throughout the one-bedroom apartment. And not in a sexy way.
Wedding planning followed soon after to Mike’s chagrin – did Shiran not just see the epic proposal he pulled off that took months to plan?! Besides a minor (major) blow out about a rabbi, things were off to a great start. Mostly due to the help of her Maid of Honor of the West and Maid of Honor of the East (yes, there are two of them) and their wedding planner (amen). It takes a freaking village, people.
Mike and Shiran would take a pause from wedding planning to go on their pre-honeymoon, or as they began to call it, their Coronamoon – since masks and Purell became the staple of the three week trip. From Thailand to Malaysia to Cambodia to Vietnam and an impromptu visit to the Philippines to avoid quarantine, Mike and Shiran would spend the most time together they ever have – and it was perfect.
Which brings us to today, where both Mike and Shiran are in two week isolation (per work’s orders). Will they survive spending this much time together in a New York apartment?
They better, since you all confirmed you’re coming to the wedding.