We’re finally getting married!

It all started on a random night at home. A friend of mine had just taken in a new kitten, and as a total cat lover, I had to go see it. When I got there, I wasn't expecting company-but there they were: my friend and a few others. Being shy, I ducked into her room with my friend to hang out, have a few drinks, and, of course, meet the kitten. Then Matt walked in. I mostly stayed quiet (shy me), until out of nowhere the topic of hair came up. He pulls his ponytail out of his beanie and says, "Smell my hair." Totally random, totally hilarious-and somehow it made me laugh and finally start coming out of my shell. And yes... his hair smelled amazing and was even longer than mine at the time. We kept running into each other at get-togethers, and eventually my friend let me know Matt wanted to see me again. No surprise there-he always seemed to be around when I came by. I later learned we worked for the same company, just at different locations. Sometimes I'd hear him on the walkie-talkie at work, and one night I finally sent him a message on Facebook. Soon, we were talking every day, and friends started saying what we already knew: we were basically inseparable. Then came the moment that made it official. One day, Matt called me while I was waiting at a friend's house, telling me I had to get to Walmart ASAP-he'd explain when I got there. I rushed over, and he told me his truck had been stolen. Cue a little adventure: we ended up driving around in my dad's utility truck trying to track it down. Eventually, we found the truck parked on a dead-end road... and to make it even more cinematic, "I Don't Want This Night to End" by Luke Bryan was playing inside. And then I saw it: his friend had written on the windshield, "They stole my truck, but you stole my heart. Be mine?" Of course, I said yes. And that's how it all began-the start of our adventure together, full of laughter, love, and a few completely unforgettable moments along the way.

After 10 years together—and 5 of those spent engaged—we’re finally making it official. In that time, we’ve built a life full of adventures, laughter, and love. At the center of it all are our two wonderful kids. Zachary, our oldest, is sweet, kind, and the most protective big brother. Madelyn, our youngest, is just as sweet, with a spark of wit and smarts that keep us smiling. They’ve been best friends for most of their lives—always looking out for each other, sharing plenty of laughs, and even sneaking hugs at school (though now with a little eye-rolling if friends are watching). Our furry crew completes the family. Oslo, our first pup, has grown up with us and takes his role as “neighborhood watch” very seriously—especially if he’s stuck inside while we’re out. (He once destroyed a set of blinds just to make sure we got the message!) Bella came to us after the passing of my aunt, carrying her love forward in a new way. And Simba, our cat, found us as a stray kitten and never left—he decided we were his people. We’ve also faced heartbreak, including the loss of my mom, who was my world. As her youngest, I’ll always be her baby, and she adored Matt with a love that was truly special. She always dreamed of giving me a fairytale wedding, and while it’s hard not having her here, I know she and my aunt now have the best seats in the house to watch over us. Through every high and low, we’ve leaned on each other and grown stronger together. This wedding is not just a celebration of our love—it’s a celebration of family, resilience, and all the people, here and in heaven, who have shaped our journey.