When Michael began his freshman year at Clemson University in 2020, his mom, Erica, joined an online FAQ session for parents of incoming students. On the other side of the call was Payton, then a sophomore, ready to answer questions from parents. After Payton introduced herself and mentioned her lifeguarding experience in Dewey Beach, DE, Erica directed a question to her. The Burns family lived in the nearby Philadelphia area at the time. Immediately afterward, Erica reported back to Michael about “that cute girl from Delaware” she had spoken with, quickly suggesting that he should talk to her.

Michael and Payton eventually met on campus through clubs and activities, but the two remained just friendly. After two years of Michael coming home on school breaks to Erica asking for an update on Payton, he finally worked up the courage to ask her out in 2022. They have been going strong ever since. Through stretches of long- and mid-distance, Michael and Payton have always sacrificed for each other to make it work. In May 2025, Michael proposed to Payton in Orange Beach, Alabama.