It was the depths of the Covid pandemic, and Carleigh (CJ) was a new resident of Maryland. Through the magic of the internet and the Apple App store, Matt arrived perfectly on time for a date with Carleigh, and when he called her to let her know he was there, she arose from her slumber to look out her window and see him waiting outside in the cold. Quickly, she threw herself together, and they enjoyed a tasty Starbucks and Einstein's Bagel while remaining 6 feet apart. That didn't last long ;). Carleigh was able to redeem herself when Matt and her had a beautiful date at Le Diplomate in Washington, DC. And the rest is HISTORY!!!

Carleigh had taken her final exam for her Human Physiology Course the day before (she is getting her PhD --- don't ask). Matt, being the amazing supportive man he is, asked what she wanted to do to celebrate. Naturally Carleigh recommended going to a Korean spa to dissociate from the past 6-weeks of academic hell. Little did she know, Matt had prepared the most beautiful proposal for later in the day. After a lovely time, basking in a 360 degree sauna, and lounging in a pool, Carleigh and Matt headed back to DC so they could make a "lunch date" with Matt's brother Peter, his wife Elisabeth and their amazing daughter Georgiana. Carleigh picked up a Starbucks coffee for her and Matt before their drive back to DC, and she noticed Matt was acting "weird." There was quite a storm brewing and Carleigh suggested they just reschedule the lunch date with Peter, Liz and Georgie. However, Matt was adamant, the picnic lunch would occur. The rain continued to pour, but, the lunch date was on. And they pulled up to the gorgeous Bartholdi Fountain on the National Mall in Washington D.C. As Matt took Carleigh around the fountain to "meet with Peter, Liz and Georgie" Carleigh noticed a gorgeous set up of indeed a picnic blanket, candles, champagne and an antique picnic basket but alas, Peter, Liz and Georgie were nowhere to be found?! She very soon realized what was happening and could not hold in her absolute delight and surprise. The love of her life was going to propose to her. Matt took her hand and undoubtedly said beautiful words, however Carleigh admits she "blacked out" during this process. He then placed the most gorgeous ring on her finger, with a diamond from his beloved Grandma Magos, who had passed away during Matt an Carleigh's first year together. Then, their good friend Gilbert and Matt's brother Peter emerged from nearby bushes, as they had taken pictures of the event so Carleigh could show her family in Chicago. It was a perfect day the couple will never, ever forget.