Cassie’s and Matt’s paths likely crossed many many times before the first date. Whether it be at the Bruce Springsteen concert, Montreal for the Women’s World Cup, or City Beer Hall, these two were destined to meet. Their first official meeting was quick but memorable: New Years Eve at Cassie’s apartment. Matt, a friend of Shannon’s boyfriend Jason, came to celebrate the ball drop… in his Buffalo Bills hat. Cassie, a Patriots fan, of course took this opportunity to make fun of Matt’s hat and team choice. They laughed, the ball dropped, and they went their separate ways. A few months later they reconnected for their first date. While clinking glasses at the Pourhouse, Cassie remembers telling Matt that she felt like she was talking too much, but Matt remembers being too nervous to do anything but listen. A true Capital Region couple, the next date was to cheer on the Albany Patroons, followed by an Albany Empire match, and then Valleycats game when summer began. Their love grew during trips to Piseco and Niagara Falls, going to Zac Brown Band concerts, visiting museums, tackling home improvement, singing kareoke, walking sweet Chessie girl, and even somehow, while cheering for rival teams. They can’t wait to celebrate their love with all their friends and family in the city where it all began.