We met when we least expected to meet anyone - during the COVID shutdown when all the gyms were closed. Mutual friends of ours started an at-home gym, Gym Leatham, which they opened for friends to come work out. It got so popular that there were different workout times, but we never were there at the same time. Matt saw Caitlin on their gym instagram page flexing and was instantly smitten. He asked about Caitlin every time he worked out. He even wrote on the gym mirror "Caitlin, call Matt" with his phone number in hopes that she would see it. Caitlin never got to see the mirror note because it got erased, but he told her about it a few dates later. We finally crossed paths one night at the gym and the rest was history. It was love at first rep!

Fast forward 4.5 years and Matt proposed on December 22nd, 2024 in the presence of both of our immediate families. He orchestrated a White Elephant Christmas ornament exchange hosted at our home. Matt's ornament was a little gold mirror with the words, "Caitlin, marry Matt" written on it as a play on how he first attempted to ask her out at Gym Leatham. All of the family was in on it, except for Caitlin. They were instructed not to pick Matt's wrapped present under the tree. The picking order was rigged so that Caitlin would end up having to go last to pick her wrapped ornament. As she unwrapped the gift, Matt pulled the ring from under the tree and dropped to a knee in front of everyone. Caitlin said "absolutely!" followed up with a playful, excited "finally" ;). Family is everything to us, so we were so grateful to have both our families present to experience our sweet milestone moment.

Caitlin and Matt are very excited to become husband and wife, and can't wait to celebrate with you all in Raleigh. The couple thoughtfully chose each vendor, guest, and detail; your presence, love and support during this sweet season of life means the world to them. XOXO