A woman who married a stranger she met on TikTok for “lifetime experiences” fell in love with her husband — and “couldn’t be happier.”
Danielle Gross, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, always knew she was going to get married the “silly way,” but she never imagined they’d be hooked up with someone she’d never met before.
The chance encounter came about when content creator Danielle stumbled across a TikTok video of Gunnar Michels, 26, saying he was looking for a stranger to marry him.
However, Danielle wasn’t the only person interested in marrying Gunnar, who says he had the idea in January 2021.
Gunnar explains: “During the pandemic I was looking for a way to create content and meet people.
Gunnar Michels and Danielle Gross met online after Gunnar posted a video asking to marry a stranger. The couple had planned to break up after a week but ended up falling in love
Danielle and Gunnar converted an old ambulance into a livable van and traveled across America exploring the country and getting to know each other
The impromptu couple traveled for nearly two years after the wedding but have now settled into Danielle’s home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they plan to buy a home
“I had the idea of marrying a stranger. It was pretty wild.
“I wasn’t seriously looking for a life partner – more for life experience, but so many people wanted to do it.
“I got them to make a video for me about why they would be a good match for me. Danielle posted a video and it was hard to miss.
Danielle was among the thousands of strangers fighting over Gunnar’s marriage.
Danielle said: “My video went viral. I had an army of people making him choose me.
The pair began chatting and FaceTimed twice before Gunnar surprised Danielle by driving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA and getting on one knee.
Gunnar said, “I didn’t tell her I was coming to propose to her until I was on my way.”
Danielle added, “When he said he was on his way, I thought, ‘This is really happening.’
“I was shopping with my friends and suddenly I was suggested.”
Gunnar met Danielle’s family that night. They were skeptical about the marriage – but now support the couple.
Danielle said: “My mom said, ‘What if he kidnaps you?’
Two weeks after they first met, the strangers took a road trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, USA to get married on Valentine’s Day 2021.
Gunnar and Danielle admit they had planned on divorcing a week later, but once they met their relationship blossomed.
The happy couple have traveled across America and their love has blossomed as their personalities “complement” and they share the same core values
Gunnar and Danielle, who began traveling across America in a converted ambulance in March 2021, say their families are supportive of their relationship
In March 2021, they began traveling across America in a converted ambulance and are now based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, where they plan to buy a house together.
Danielle said: “I always had this idea in my head that if I got married it was definitely going to be something stupid – like in Vegas.
“So when I saw Gunnar’s video, I thought, ‘This is the stupid way.’ I had to take the opportunity.
“Our original plan was to get divorced a week after the wedding, but then we talked and thought, let’s keep talking as friends, and then it grew into something more.”
Danielle added: “Gunnar and I would never have approached each other in a bar. It opened our eyes to other people.’
Gunnar, a video artist, said: “Looking back, it seems like a story. It doesn’t feel real, but it definitely happened.’
He continued, “It grew into a really healthy relationship once we met.
“There was no pressure to make it.”
The couple dived headfirst and have spent the past two years traveling across 50 states of America in a converted ambulance.
Danielle said: “It was a tiny place. We didn’t know each other – it was a lot. We were forced to be comfortable.’
Gunnar added: “There was nothing to do but talk.”
The happy couple say their personalities “complement” and while they’re different – deep down they’re the same and share the same core values.
Danielle says that although her family is now supportive, they were initially concerned that Gunnar might kidnap her
The couple is taking a break from traveling and moved into a house in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA in February 2023, but both still love spontaneity.
Danielle said: “We could buy a house tomorrow. We could leave for Europe tomorrow.
“Both our families were very happy for us. They all get along and my friends can’t believe we’re still together.
“It’s something I would suggest to others. It opened our eyes to other people. If you’re open-minded, it’s a really interesting concept.”