Our relationship began in March of 2019, with both of us recently out of relationships and not really "looking for anything". We began dating while Matt was in the Army and stationed in Fort Stewart near Savannah, GA and I was living in Birmingham, AL. We spent the first half of our relationship living 6-7 hours apart, with Matt traveling back to Birmingham once a month to see me. We are so thankful for the weddings, events and two week summer leave that gave us opportunities to see each other so often. When we began our relationship, we were hopeful we would see each other often, but not that often. Although we had known each other for 10 years, we had not really KNOWN each other. We spent our time long distance really getting to know each other through face time calls and daily texts and calls. I guess it is true what they say, absence DOES make the heart grow fonder. In December of 2019, Matt was getting out of the Army and moving home. Our long distance was finally over! He moved in with my roommate and I, "temporarily", which became permanent. We have lived together ever since and have yet to kill each other so I'll chalk that up as a win! Looking back, it's hard to imagine a time where we weren't living in the same city!

We got engaged in the middle of COVID19 Quarantine, and that is something that I will never forget. I had a feeling that something would be coming soon, but had no idea that May 2nd would be THE day (especially because my roommate and one of my maids of honor was out of town!) For some time we had talked about getting dressed up and getting take out and having a date night somewhere with a good view. It was something new and got us out of the house with everything closed off. That afternoon, I got ready as planned and we headed to pickup takeout. Instead of a nice, fancy takeout, I opted for Milo’s drive thru (I was craving their fries and sweet tea!) we started driving around trying to figure out where to go that wasn't closed, where we had a good view. We ended up at my work parking deck, in the heart of downtown Birmingham. Still oblivious to everything going on, we get to the top and there was a table set up with flowers, candles and rose petals. I knew then what was happening. We got out of the car and Matt led me to the table where he got down on one knee!! I was shocked and so happy. When I looked up, several of our friends were there, hiding to take pictures! After a quick celebration and some photos taken, we were promptly kicked off the deck by the security guards.