Although they probably crossed paths at some point while both living in Southie and frequenting the same bars/restaurants, Matt & Amanda were formally introduced like many other couples today...through an app (thanks Hinge!). They had their first date at Capo restaruant on West Broadway where they shared many stories, laughs and of course each others meals. One thing they quickly realized that they had in common was their appreciation for trying multiple things on the menu. If Amanda ordered the baked haddock and Matt ordered the filet…that would turn into a surf and turf meal for two. While an app might have brought Matt and Amanda together, it was conversations over other apps (this time in the form of truffle fries, cheeseburger sliders, and of course Amanda’s favorite, brussels sprouts) where they continued to get to know each other and bonded over their mutual love of traveling and dogs. After many vacations, road trips and a Golden-doodle later here we are!

Matt planned an incredibly thoughtful trip to Newport, Rhode Island as an end of summer get-away. Newport is where Amanda's grandparents lived when they were first married and her grandfather was stationed at the Newport Naval Base - it has always been a very special place to her. Matt found an apartment downtown on Thames street with a deck overlooking the water where they stayed for a few days. On the second day there, he planned a beautiful day, starting off with a hike through a bird sanctuary, which finished on top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. The hike was followed by some lunch and a sailboat trip around Newport Harbor. After sailing they went back to the apartment to have a drink on the deck and watch the sun set before heading out to their dinner reservation later that night. Matt had tracked down a bottle of wine they loved from a previous vacation in Italy and surprised Amanda with it on the deck. Amid the excitement of the bottle of wine and explaining how he had ordered it for a special occasion, Matt then dropped to one knee to ask Amanda to marry him! It was the easiest question she's ever been asked and was truly a dream come true!