It all began on a sunny Saturday at Hardywood, where mutual friends unknowingly set the stage for something unforgettable. We were both just tagging along, expecting a casual hangout—craft beer, laughs, and good company. What we didn’t expect was each other. From the moment we met, there was an undeniable spark—easy conversation, instant connection, and a sense that maybe this was the start of something special. We kept in touch, and a few months later, Alexis made the trip down from Charlottesville to Richmond for Matthew’s housewarming party. That night sealed it—whatever this was, it was real. From there, our relationship grew stronger through two years of “medium-distance”—plenty of road trips, weekend visits, and goodbyes that got harder rather than easier. Eventually, we made the leap and moved in together in Richmond, first into a cozy apartment and then into a place we now call home. Along the way, we became a little family—with our two fur babies, Finn and Ellie, keeping life full of joy, chaos, and unconditional love. Now, we’re ready for the next chapter—marriage. We’re excited to continue building this life together, side by side, full of laughter, love, and all the small, beautiful moments in between.