In 2016, we found ourselves living far far away from our families in the quaint city of Greenville, SC. We were both working in the automotive industry: Matthias for in-tech, a BMW supplier, and Amy for Clemson University's Automotive Research Campus. As many modern romances go, we both swiped right on the dating app, Bumble. After exchanging a few Jimmy Fallon GIFs and discussing common friends and coworkers, Matthias asked Amy out for sushi and cocktails. Before our first date, Matthias asked his bosses Michael and Christoph about Amy. "What's she like?" he asked. They replied, "She's 'very American', she's very talkative, and you'll love her blue eyes" To this day, Amy is still 'very American' and very talkative. And Matthias still loves her blue eyes.

You could say that we truly "hit the jackpot" when we met each other. After 777 days of love, laughter, and binging Netflix, Matthias got down on one knee and asked Amy to be his wife. Matthias' mother and brother came to visit Greenville for a week in September 2018. Amy knew her parents were flying in to meet Matthias' family but she had no clue what else was in store! Saturday morning, our families met at the Greenville Farmers Market. We had brunch, played billiards and went bowling. Later that evening, on our walk to dinner, Matthias asked Amy if she could "please stop watching the Clemson football game" on her cell phone and if we could pop into our favorite bookstore and gift-shop, M. Judson. As we climbed the white stairs of the old iconic courthouse building, Matthias turned to face Amy with tears in his eyes. A few moments later he was down on one knee and of course, Amy said YES! Matthias had one last surprise for Amy - her sisters had flown to Greenville to help her celebrate! Together, with both of our families, we popped champagne and celebrated as a new bride & groom to be!