One of Allison’s best friends (and neighbors) growing up happened to be one of Matt's cousins (Melissa Ley). The two first met at a high school graduation party for one of Matt’s cousins where they talked the night away! After the evening ended, each went their separate ways back to college and wouldn’t connect again until years later. While Allison was home during a winter break during her graduate program, she met up with Melissa and commented on how happy she was not to be dating anyone and was completely uninterested in the thought of a boyfriend. Flash forward two weeks and Allison found herself going on a double date that she had no idea was happening…but Matt had helped to orchestrate behind the scenes after hearing that Allison was home for break. His efforts paid off! From that evening, Matt and Allison went back out on several more dates and decided to see where things went. Despite the initial distance, the couple grew closer and are currently excited to take on this next big life adventure together!

On July 24th, 2020, Matt asked Allison to take a trip to Waterfall Glen in Lemont, IL – one of Allison’s favorite places to go for walks, bike rides, and hikes in the area. Along the loop trail there is a scenic path that leads down to the waterfall. There may have been a few differences in opinion as to which route was best to get to the base of the falls, but the couple still made it in good spirits! In typical Matt fashion, he had prepared many details for the big day months ahead of time. This preparation was complete with documents detailing the hows, wheres, and whens of the proposal. Matt shared all of this information with family and a photographer ahead of the proposal so that the timing of everything went to plan. The waterfall (which is often very crowded) was quiet with few others around as Matt pulled out a ring to ask Allison to marry him. As the newly engaged couple walked back up toward the parking lot, family members were waiting to help celebrate!