We're FINALLY getting married!

We actually went to the same middle school and high school, but never knew each other back then. It wasn’t until 2016, when we both worked at Lowe’s, that our paths finally crossed. Matt was in Appliances and Flooring, and Allyson worked as a cashier. In December of that year, Allyson went to the Lowe’s holiday party with their mutual friend, Tony. At the party, Tony asked what she wanted for Christmas, and she jokingly said, “A boyfriend.” Without skipping a beat, Tony replied, “Date Matt!” and started planning a casual hangout for the three of us to feel things out. At the end of that hangout, Allyson asked Matt out on our first official date. Matt planned our first date for December 14, 2016. We grabbed boba tea and then went on a night hike up to the cross overlooking Simi Valley. We sat on a bench, talked for hours, and completely froze, but neither of us wanted the night to end. Now here we are finally engaged more than nine years later; counting down the days until we say "I do!"

We took a trip to Yosemite during Allyson’s spring break and spent five days exploring the national park. Allyson had a pretty good feeling the proposal was coming as we had picked out the ring and chosen the gemstone colors together about six months earlier. On our third full day in the park, we set out on a hike to one of the major waterfalls. The main trail, the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls, was closed for the season, so we decided to take the winter route up the John Muir Trail instead. (Technically, that one was closed too... but that didn’t stop us.) The trail turned out to be much longer and more challenging. Instead of taking us to the first waterfall, it led us directly to the second, Nevada Falls, with about four miles of switchbacks and over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Once we reached a rock with a clear view of Nevada Falls in the distance and Half Dome towering behind us, we stopped to rest. Matt, who usually avoids pictures, suddenly wanted to take some selfies. After a few photos, he got down on one knee and pulled out the ring. In a goofy, nervous voice, he asked, “How does Mrs. Paradise sound?” Allyson was so excited, she forgot to actually say "yes" but the answer was obvious.