Before Natalie and Matthew met there was a few twists and turns in each of their lives but their story twisted into each other Labor Day 2022 all thanks to Justin Tomko. Justin (The Bestman) was Matt's coworker and Natalie had gone on a trip to Spain that included Justin that June. Justin sent Matt over to Natalie's house for a Labor Day party but he himself didn't come. They may have met August 2022 but for 8 months Matt lived at the house of discernment focusing on prayer, brotherhood and discernment all while remaining friends with Natalie. During that time, they had a pivotal interaction at a Jazz Ball in the basement of the local church. Natalie left the event thinking “oh shoot this boy is going to pursue me and he is going to do it well” and Matt left it thinking “oh shoot I am going to have to pursue this girl.” In April he made the decision to move out of the house and ask her out. Natalie said “sure” and he was convinced he was only getting a pity date.

For Matt and Natalie's first date they had brunch at Bonfire (see "Things to Do") the morning of Natalie's friends' wedding. Natalie told Matt on their second date he was getting no less than 3-5 dates because she already knew he was a good guy and now they just had to figure out if their romantic interests were compatible. There third date was crashed by a friend and Natalie told Matt this didn’t count towards his 3-5. Matt showed up at their following date, sourdough pizza on the porch, with a typed up contract ensuring he got 5 dates and with his birthday around the corner snagged an additional bonus birthday date out of the deal. Well, Natalie and Matthew never really knew when that contract came to an end but over the next 8 months their relationship grew-car rides with lists of questions for each other to answer, Matt entertaining Natalie while she cooked them dinner, numerous Sunday Masses side by side, a trip to Kentucky with friends to visit the Bourbon trail and countless rosaries said on the front porch.

Matt asked for Natalie’s parents blessing on the first Sunday of Advent and Natalie knew at any time it could happen. About a week before the feast of the Immaculate Conception Matt asked Natalie what her Mass plans were for the Feast day. To ask that early was a little suspicious. She worked that day so they were going to have to meet at the Church however Natalie realized if she was able to leave work right on time she could meet Matt at her house to make to Church on time because if they were getting engaged surely he would want to drive back together. He wanted to meet there so Natalie guessed the engagement wasn’t happening. After Mass, Matt and his buddy Peter (Groomsman) were renewing their consecration to the Blessed Mother so they waited for people to clear out to pray in front of the Blessed Mother statue. Matt was breathing heavy so Natalie found that suspicious that he was nervous and going to propose but he put his coat on so maybe not. Peter and Matt prayed their consecration together and had to pretend to pray longer while flowers were being moved in front of the Blessed Mother. Finally Matt flashed Natalie the ring box. She told him he was so predictable and he told her if she said sure the ring box closed. Natalie and Matthew enjoyed the holiday season together while initiating plans for the wedding. They can't wait to celebrate the Lord's goodness and faithfulness with all of you on July 13th and all the celebrations leading up to it. They ask that you pray for them as they prepare to enter in to the sacrament of marriage and for each and every day after that.

You don't choose saints but saints have a funny way of choosing you. Matt and Natalie ask you to in particular pray for them through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima and Sts. Zelie and Louis Martin. July 13th is a vision day for Fatima. Matt in particular long had a devotion to Sts. Zelie and Louis Martin. Unknown to Matt when picking the wedding day, Matt and Natalie will be celebrating a wedding anniversary with these saints that have become so important in their life as they journey towards marriage. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us. Sts. Zelie and Louis Martin, pray for us.