How it all began... It was 7th grade and Amanda had just moved from Germantown, MD to Keedysville, MD. In middle school shop class was where she and Matt first met. They became friends almost immediately and Matt quickly developed an infatuation with Amanda. At the time, Amanda viewed Matt as that obnoxious "little brother/friend" type of person since he was always following her around. It wasn't until the 10th grade that Amanda decided to "date" Matt...for ONE whole week. She decided it just wasn't going to work at the time since they both developed different priorities. Amanda and Matt continued their school lives together, as the very best of friends. Through theater class, similar interests and mutual friends. The last two years of high school, they'd both venture off to Washington County Technical High School, leaving many friends and classmates behind, but still having each other...for support and companionship. Even after school, they maintained a healthy platonic friendship! The summer of 2009 was one of the greatest during their younger days together. They took walks together in Amanda's parent's neighborhood, long car rides blasting music with the windows down with no destination in mind...they just drove. They sang, talked and drove. It was one of those summers you remember for a lifetime. One that meant so much to them both...to this day. Beyond that summer, things changed as life tends to when you grow up...and sometimes apart. But only for a short time. They soon found comfort in each other's conversations and company again! This time, realizing, life had taken them both in very different directions. The years passed, time passed and feelings passed...and eventually evolved. During this time, Amanda had three daughters. Two of which Matt made sure to visit right after they were born. The girls grew up knowing him and understanding and admiring Matt's respect for their mother from the start. Something they were fortunate enough to see and recognize through only him over the years. As those years progressed, they continued to maintain a strong relationship and were each other's very best friend. They knew each other better than they knew themselves most days. Though the stars may not have properly aligned for them previously, that was all about to change! They spent nearly ever single day together for about a year. That's when it hit them...they didn't want to go through life not knowing what it would be like to be in a REAL relationship together. As mentioned before, those feelings evolved. It was finally happening...October 8, 2022 they started dating. This would be the starting point of some of the best times they'd share together. In 2023, they went on numerous trips and adventures, including a cruise to the Caribbean. Every day spent together was filled with joy, love, and fun. They had both finally found themselves in the best, most impactful and emotionally healthy relationship they'd ever been in. They'd continue to grow as individuals and as a couple, navigating life's biggest journeys together. When Amanda went on a cruise with her mom in 2023, Matt realized one thing...He couldn't stand the idea of living without Amanda. On June 15, 2024, Matt proposed to Amanda at VA Beach. A journey that seemed and felt so far out of reach 22 years ago, was finally happening! They each get to have their best friend, their person forever!!! As many of their childhood friends had told them, "it's about time!!!" We were always each other's right person, just at the wrong time until now! Here's to our happily ever after...