Love Story

Michele Skinner knew she shared the birthday month of July with her co-worker Edward Sayed. She was in accounting and he was an assistant manager at Washington Mutual in Lynnwood in 1996.

At the time they both were married to other people. When Edward moved to another job, he and Michele called or e-mailed each other around the time of their birthdays.

“We were birthday buddies,” Michele said.

By February 2005, the lives of Michele and Edward had changed. His wife had died. Michele was divorced. The former co-workers hadn’t seen each other in eight years. They decided to meet and go out for dinner.

“Then one thing led to another,” Michele said. “Now we are head over heels with each other. We are super, super happy together.”

Michele Lynn Skinner and Edward Anthony Sayed III, both of Snohomish, plan a July 22 wedding in Clinton.

Parents are Patrick and Sherry McGilvray of Clinton, and Ed Sayed of Reno, Nev., and Sue Garrington of Tacoma.

The wedding will be held on the beach at the home of the McGilvrays’. Michele and Edward will be barefoot in the sand. Edward’s stepbrother will perform the ceremony.

“We had him ordained just to marry us,” Michele said.

Edward is vice president and technology manager with Washington Mutual in downtown Seattle.

Michele is vice president of private banking with the Bank of Everett.

Michele and Edward’s relationship was very casual at first. They took their time, even though Edward’s two daughters bugged them from the beginning to get together.

“We took it slow,” Michele said. “We just knew it was meant to be.”

Edward proposed to Michele in February in the new home they had bought. It was a Sunday and Edward surprised her as he and his two daughters each got down on one knee, all three of them proposing at once.

The girls had rings too.

“It’s all a new beginning for them,” Michele said.

Michele says that Edward is the best father, his girls adore him, and he puts his family before his own needs. She is looking forward to waking up every morning with Edward by her side.

“He is my best friend and my absolute soul mate,” Michele said. “He is wonderful and caring and generous.”

When it comes to how much Michele loves Edward, she is at a loss for words. They are both happy and grateful for a second chance in life.

“Every time I see him, my whole face lights up,” Michele said. “He makes me so happy.”

For information on Love Story and Celebrations please call Christina Harper at 425-339-3491 or email harper@heraldnet.com.