The Beginnings

Alexandra Ariel Chavez was born in South Bend, Indiana while her dad attended the University of Notre Dame. The family spent some time in South Bend and Peoria, Illinois before moving back to Phoenix, Arizona - where both of Alex's parents are from. Some would say she was brainwashed, while others maintain it was a birthright, but ever since she was little Alex knew she would attend the University of Notre Dame just as her father and uncles did. She lived in Farley Hall, played O-line and D-line on the dorm's football team, and graduated from the university in 2009.

Michael Thaner Lammie was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is the oldest of three boys. He was a student athlete and is still an avid Pittsburgh sports fan. When he's not working, he has a mild addiction to golf and sports a 6-handicap. Although Mike wasn't brainwashed, he also attended the University of Notre Dame, where he lived in Keenan Hall, played outside linebacker on the Keenan football team (making it to Notre Dame stadium for the league championship), and graduated in 2009.

How We Met (Twice)

The couple first met at Club Fever in South Bend during their senior year of college. A mutual friend, Andres, introduced Alex to four of his roommates during a night out. However, Mike had too many muscles and his hair was too short to draw interest.  They would not speak again during their shared time in South Bend.   Fate brought them together again during a Notre Dame football "game watch" at Public House in New York City (the official bar sponsor of the Notre Dame Club of New York) for the Purdue vs. ND game. After an Irish victory and pleasant conversation, the two began dating - and the rest is history.

The Proposal

The couple made plans to travel to Chicago, Illinois for the Miami vs. Notre Dame football game in October 2012.  After an early morning flight and a few hours of bar-hopping in The Loop on Friday, dinner reservations were made at Flemming's Steakhouse north of the Chicago river.  On the walk to the restaurant as the sun was setting, Mike took Alex on a detour from Michigan Ave. and dropped down on a knee riverside.  She said yes!  But the surprises for Alex were not over...  After a couple celebratory steaks and a bottle of wine, Alex's parents arrived from Phoenix (unbeknownst to her) just in time to share the moment and join the couple for after-dinner drinks.  With additional friends and family joining soon after, it was a night that will never be forgotten!