Elisa and Matt met in passing after the 2018 NYC Marathon, both having friends that ran in the race. At an after party at Ferns in the East Village, Matt saw his roommate's college friend, Becky Savage, one of Elisa's close friends from growing up. Everyone exchanged hellos, and Elisa thought he seemed cute! A few weeks later, there was a group dinner planned at San Marzano (another East Village night) with friends visiting from out of town. Matt got a last minute invite to join after another couple bowed out (he thrives the most when he's the backup invite), and *allegedly* Matt strategized to sit next to Elisa to get to know her more. They hit it off, and the next week they went on their first date at Cask in Murray Hill. The rest is history!

On May 14th, a day before Elisa's birthday, Matt planned a wonderful day together. They had both previously decided to take the day off work to celebrate with just each other. In the morning, they took their dog Link on long trail walk, went out to a boozy lunch, and finished the day with a very nice dinner at Summit House in Summit NJ. During the Uber home, Elisa was tired after a day of celebration, but Matt seemed a little NERVOUS. A few blocks from home, Matt asked the Uber to pull over and said that he wanted to show Elisa something (hmmm)... there was a small, beautiful garden area that they walked to. In the middle of the garden, Matt began saying how he wished he could have proposed in NYC where they fell in love, but decided Madison was even better as that is where they were starting their lives together. It was perfect, and there were many happy tears! Those tears continued when they got back to their apartment, where Elisa's family was there to greet them with celebratory champagne (just sparkling cider for Link). They are so thrilled to tie the knot and can't wait to enjoy the big day with their family and friends!