This story isn't the classic "High School Sweetheart" story you see on Hallmark. Mathieu and Adriana both went to Downtown Elementary School, separated by a grade only because Mathieu's birthday was in May, and Adriana's was in October. Adriana knew Mathieu as the guy who "was constantly winning awards for reading the most books". Mathieu was too busy reading, making overly complex paper airplanes, and sprinting across the playground with his friends to notice Adriana. God's plan would have them officially meet at ages 10 and 11 when they both started attending Kingdom Life Church. This is the place where their affections began. At first, Adriana thought Mathieu was a know-it-all and a big nerd. Both were kind of true. Mathieu thought Adriana was quiet but easy to talk to. Somehow, a friendship was born. As crazy as it seems, they first bonded and became best friends in a strategic alliance to get Mathieu in the good graces of another girl. That backfired heavily, however, as the two fell for each other instead. “Dating” secretly, the two began a digital relationship with adorably awkward in-person conversations at church. Because this predated unlimited texting, a $400 charge for over 2000 text messages in one month quickly alerted Matt’s parents that something was definitely up. Though broken up by the powers that be we kept a strong relationship and became best friends that would rely on each other through some of our toughest moments. Digitally Dating, we covertly had on-again-off-again relationships throughout all of Middle and High School. FINALLY, in 2015, the pair had their FIRST in-person date at Mathieu’s High School Senior Prom. Mathieu’s Uncle Kenny ensured it was a grand affair, getting him suited, and booted; even providing a limousine and driver. After a spectacular first date, the romantic relationship paused while pursuing our college educations. Reconnecting in 2016, a long-distance relationship soon began. Because of school priorities, they decided to wait until the relationship could be given the attention it deserved. They knew they would likely be married one day, making the wait easy this time around. When Adriana returned to Memphis in the summer of 2017, they made up for every bit of lost time with daily dates that would last from the morning until night. On May 6, 2023, after officially dating for 6 Years, Mathieu proposed to Adriana with a poem surrounded by their families on the steps of the Parthenon in Nashville while a violinist played TeachMe by MusiqSoulchild. Adriana said yes, and the rest is being written minute by minute.