We met back in September of 2019 how most couples meet these days, online! After some conversation, we decided to go get dinner one night soon after. We clicked and kept talking and had a few more dinner dates over a couple of months. But, the timing wasn't right and things sort of fizzled out. Despite that, we remained really good friends ever since and kept up with each others lives as we continued on our individual paths!

It was Spring of 2021, we were still really good friends at this point. I think we both were starting to realize that there were still feelings between us, and we decided to see if timing would finally be on our side! We went shopping at none other than Bass Pro Shops, truly a classic Matt and Mandy move! We had dinner at one of Matt's childhood favorites - Bellacino's! Then we ended the night watching a movie at Matt's house. I think we both realized after this night that this was right for the both of us. We spent the next few months spending time together, going on dates, and just having fun doing life together. We decided that the timing was indeed right for us, and on June 10th, 2021, Matt asked me to be his girlfriend!

It was the day before Thanksgiving, and we were having an early holiday that night at Matt's parents house. I went over early to help prepare while Matt was at work. The plan was for me to go pick Matt up from our house when he got home so that we would only have one car. He let me know he was ready, so I went back to our house to pick him up. When I got home, I came inside and he said to me from the basement, "hey, will you come help me clean this up please?!" So I went downstairs to see what the mess was, but much to my surprise, he was waiting down there with our dog, Montana, with balloons on the wall that said "Will you marry me?" I was so surprised! I had a feeling a proposal was coming, but I truly did not expect it then and he caught me completely off guard! Easiest "yes" ever!

We chose to do something a little less traditional for our wedding! We will be exchanging vows in a private ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colorado on June 10th, 2023. But, we're not going to let this exciting time go by without a celebration! On August 12th, 2023, we will be having a reception with all of our favorite people. We can't wait to get together with everyone we love to help us celebrate!