In today’s episode, we’re joined by Michael (also known as Misha) and Mario, whose love story began when they went clubbing on Halloween. After just six months of dating, Misha proposed, and now, after a two-year engagement, the couple is planning their wedding for 2026. They have a three decade age gap and their story is one for the ages.

It’s a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, and insights on love in all its forms. We cover:

• The challenges and joys of dating in middle age
• Navigating coming out and finding acceptance with parents
• Why a quick proposal can lead to a lasting engagement
• The power of traditional weddings and vows

Referenced in this episode:
"Vows: The Modern Genius of an Ancient Rite" book by Cheryl Mendelsen
"The Last Of Us: Season 1 Episode 3"
"Meaning of Marriage" by Timothy Keller & Kathy Keller

Support the show

Visit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xoxo

On this episode we open up the inbox on our HeartLine to share with you. Hear from The Love Department listeners who discuss “What if I don't want this person at our Wedding?” “Changing our Lastname” and “Group Projects in College” “TV Shows for Couples to watch Together” and “Dating with Patience”

To leave a message on our HeartLine click here. HeartLine inbox. We’d love to hear how it’s going in your love department.

TV Show suggestions for couples to watch together

The Bride BrideLawyers S2 E4 "Understanding the Laws of Marriage"

Tracy & Eddy S2 E5 "Sugar We're Going Down"

Support the show

Visit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xoxo

Imagine having three weddings to the same person. Luckily these two said I do on every occasion. Tracy and Eddy met when they were just fresh faced immigrants to New York City. When Tracy moved in to an apartment with Eddy and two other guys, it was the last thing on her mind that she would end up meeting the love of her life. But as the song goes they were going down swinging and it took just two weeks to make the jump from roommates to lovers.

In this episode we talk about getting married in Las Vegas while enjoying a emo music festival with their close friends, custom designing a wedding dress and engagement ring that tells a story, friends who are more like family, and how to navigate the mishaps of wedding planning.

Thinking of doing a destination wedding? Hear how Tracy and Eddy scouted their venues, transported their friends and family, and worked with vendors they loved to curate a gorgeous three day soiree in the south of France.

Support the show

Visit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xoxo

A yuletide greeting from the host of the Love Department, Nik Lockhart. Join her as she walks in the forrest on Christmas morning.

We'll be back with another great episode of The Love Department next week. Until then, we wish you a warm holiday season.

Support the show

Visit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xoxo

Meet Shari & Morgan. They're the Bride Lawyers! Today on The Love Department we're demystifying the legal aspects of marriage. Whether you're newly engaged, considering divorce, or domestically partnered--they've got loads of wisdom to share. In this episode we talk prenuptial agreements, financial disclosure between partners, and how to change your name (or not). Find the Bride Lawyers on IG (@bridelawyers) and their website www.bridelawyer.com

Is it Worth It to Get Married blog post:
https://bridelawyer.com/f/is-it-worth-it-to-get-married?blogcategory=Marriage

Giveaway instructions:
1) Screenshot you listening to the episode and tag the bride lawyers to win a copy of their book! Make sure you're following BOTH @bridelawyers and @thelove.dept
2) Bonus Entry: Comment on @thelove.dept instagram with a legal question related to tying the knot.
3) For those in NY or NJ only(!) One lucky listener will get an hour free consultation with the Bride Lawyers. More written details on @thelove.dept Instagram.

Giveaway ends December 25, 2024 at 6 P.M. EST One winner will be randomly selected for the book and one for the consultation and announced in a post on December 27,2024! Consultation open to New Jersey and New York Residents Only, Book to territorial U.S. residents only, 18 years or older for both. Consultation to occur by video conference only. By entering you acknowledge that the giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with the podcasting platform and completely release this platform of all responsibility.

Support the show

Visit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xoxo

On this episode of The Love Department Nik sits down with Kerry Lynn of Love Locked in Jersey City, NJ. (www.shoplovelocked.com, @shoplovelocked on IG) Kerry designed the engagement ring of our dreams! We cover how much to spend on purchasing an engagement ring, creative alternatives to rings, and how to keep your proposal a surprise. Got a family ring you'd like to give to your sweetheart? We discuss how to make your something old, something new! She shares with us her favorite thing about sourcing sustainable stones and creating family heirlooms that will last for generations.

Send this episode to someone thinking about popping the question soon. And take notes for your next shopping trip or Pinterest pin.

Support the show

Visit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xoxo

Support the show

Visit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xoxo

Paloma and Deron reconnected after meeting undergrad at a fraternity party. Their creative elopement during the pandemic landed them (and the photos) in the spotlight. Their love story is one that involves dating long distance (and on a budget) and how he transformed from self-professed 'f*ck-boy' to five-star husband. In this episode we talk about sticking to your vision for your wedding, asking for someone's hand in marriage, and proposing while on vacation. We also talked about the importance of leaving a legacy for your loved ones.

If you plan to break from traditions on your wedding day, this episode is one you don't want to miss. Here how they transformed their elopement into their dream wedding.

Interested in working with a dating coach? Find out more at:
www.love-department.com/coaching

Support the show

Visit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xoxo

This season starts off on a personal note from our host Nik Lockhart, who recently got engaged. Never one to take the traditional path before her, she talks about their proposal story, how they've approached planning, and some of the good advice she received from friends, family, and strangers.

This season on The Love Department, we'll focus on the ins and outs of the engagement and wedding process. We'll have great couples on to share how they met, their memorable moments, what they've learned from love.

www.love-department.com/coaching use code SOLO30 for your free 30min consultation with Nik. xoxo

Support the show

Visit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xoxo