Matt and I first heard of one another back in middle school. While there are definitely a few blurry 8th grade lacrosse & 9th grade homecoming photos where we happen to be in the same frame, we didn’t really notice each other—until sophomore year of high school in 2017. That’s when something just clicked At first, we were simply friends within the same circle—group hangouts, classes, the usual, but over time, that friendship naturally grew into something more. From that moment on, we were practically inseparable. We did high school hand in hand: homecoming dances, football games, lacrosse tournaments, proms, weekend trips—you name it, we were there, together Over the years, we found ourselves stepping into each other's worlds. Somehow, we each came to love the things the other loved, simply because we were doing them side by side. We went on countless family vacations together—beach trips, mountain getaways, lake weekends, etc. By that point, we weren’t just dating, we had become fully woven into each other's families and lives in every way When the Colavito family moved to North Carolina, Matt stayed in Georgia to be close to me & the friends he had built so much life with. Then came 2020: the year we’d quietly been dreading. College decisions loomed & we knew change was coming. But instead of pulling us apart, the world slowed down during the pandemic and gave us extra time together, something we’ll always be grateful for Eventually, Matt chose East Carolina University & I went to the University of Kentucky. Suddenly, we were states apart. It was hard, really hard, but we made it work. From long weekends & sorority or fraternity events, to random road trips & surprise visits, we squeezed in every moment we could. While we were each growing in our own ways, building our own communities & friendships, we never stopped growing together. We supported one another through classes, friendships & big decisions. Somewhere between the FaceTime calls & late-night texts, we knew we were building something that would last far beyond college In December 2023, we both graduated—ready (and a little nervous) to take on the next chapter. Matt got the exciting news that he’d landed a job in Boston, Massachusetts. There was never a question in my mind—I was going with him. So we packed up & moved into our very first apartment... in a city neither of us had ever even visited We had waited for that moment for what felt like forever. But reality set in quickly: we were now a thousand miles from everything & everyone familiar. It was a whole new season—full of changes, challenges & firsts. But through it all, we had each other We both started our first jobs, explored a brand-new city, made new friends, & even got our first dog together. Just when we felt settled, life called again and we moved to New Jersey. In the whirlwind of 18 short months between Boston & New Jersey, we learned two important things: 1. We are Southern at heart (and that snow up north is no joke) and 2. You know you're exactly where you're meant to be when "home" stops being a place and starts being a person Fast forward to now—we’re living in Austin, Texas & we couldn’t be happier. There’s something about it that just feels right. It’s where everything started to come full circle. Just a week before our move, we took what I thought was a last minute beach trip. Little did I know, Matt had been secretly planning for weeks to propose. I was completely caught off guard—especially when I realized he had arranged for all of our closest friends & family to be there to celebrate with us. It was the most thoughtful, joy-filled weekend & one we both agree will forever be one of our favorite memories Now, after nearly a decade of memories, lessons, laughter & so much love—we’re ready for forever. We’re endlessly grateful for every person who has cheered us on, supported us from near or far and been part of our journey. We can't wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you!