4.30.22

Their love story started at Vanderbilt in the fall of 2011. Through mutual friends, they recognized their KC roots. Their encounters were filled with lighthearted sports rivalry and chemistry that wasn’t fully addressed yet. In the summer after sophomore year, Abby drove through STL with her mother. Matt (thinking himself clever) texted Abby saying, “Let's get lunch, so I can meet my future mother-in-law,” not realizing the irony. They started dating the fall of senior year. Their first months of dating were filled with Jimmy John’s, holiday gatherings, and a far too expensive steak dinner. As the carefree semester ended, real life set in. At the time their relationship started they had already secured post-grad plans, Matt to DC, and Abby to KC. The two decided to pursue a long distance relationship because they felt they had something special. Over the next 4 years, they maintained a long distance relationship (shout out to FaceTime and Southwest). In March 2019, Abby matched at UNC for her residency. The two started making plans to move there that summer. Prior to the move, the couple went to Europe as a graduation celebration. Abby, her family, and the majority of her friends thought for certain Matt would utilize this romantic, once in a lifetime trip to propose….but Matt had other plans. In June 2019, they moved to NC, excited to be living in the same state. Shortly after moving, the couple welcomed their son Willson (a four legged fluffy ball of joy and cuddles) to their family. In August 2019, the two spent a vacation in Chicago. Thanks to sneaky orchestrators (shout out to Krista, Josie, Lundberg, and Nico), Abby (and Willson) were completely shocked when Matt got down on one knee in Lincoln Park, followed by a surprise celebration with loved ones. The wedding planning commenced, and if you all know anything about Abby and her mother, they did not delay. They cannot wait to celebrate with you and celebrate the start of their life as husband and wife!