Matt and Mckenzi first crossed paths in 2010 at Eisenhower High School during freshman biology. They would remain friendly acquaintances until their junior year, when Matt and Mckenzi would frequent group study sessions for AP Biology. Soon enough, Matt and Mckenzi were finding more and more excuses to study together. Following her return from Spain, Matt surprised Mckenzi by decorating her room and asking her to the junior prom. She said yes! A few short weeks later, they had their first official date on May 3, 2013 at That’s Amore. Matt went on to attend UW-Madison for undergrad and Mckenzi attended Edgewood College for nursing school. Being in the same city for college afforded them many opportunities to indulge in Badger football and basketball games, breakfast at Mickey’s Dairy Bar, and of course many nights studying together in the Noland Zoology building (can you sense a theme here?). As Matt transitioned to medical school at UWSMPH and Mckenzi began her career as a nurse at UW-Health, their constant love and support for one another continues through all life’s endeavors. Over the past nine years, Matt and Mckenzi’s relationship has been founded on prioritizing each other. Whether it is an overzealous attempt at a Sunday night Half Baked Harvest dinner, finding the best ice cream place on every vacation, getting lost on a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, or training their new puppy, Grotto, it is always an adventure with these two. After twelve years of knowing each other and nine years together, these highschool sweethearts cannot wait to celebrate the sacrament of Marriage with their closest family and friends!

After seven years of dating, Matt and Mckenzi got engaged at Wollersheim Winery, located just outside of Madison, on September 19th, 2020. Matt coordinated with his family, Mckenzi’s family, her cousins, and best friend to meet them at the winery. In total Matt fashion, he included an aerial map of the grounds complete with drawings of where the engagement would take place. As Matt and Mckenzi walked in, Matt sneakily asked her best friend to take a photo of them underneath a weeping willow tree. As they “posed for the photo”, Matt got down on one knee and asked Mckenzi to marry him. Mckenzi was beyond excited and easily said yes! After sharing a few celebratory drinks with friends and family, they returned to their apartment for an engagement party lunch. It was the best day of 2020, but the best days are yet to come!