Our Story
Where We've Been
Growing Up
If you didn’t already know, Matt and Elaina have never actually lived in the same state. Their relationship is a beautiful picture of trusting the Lord's plans and perfect timing. Matt has spent his entire life in Georgia. From growing up in Harris County to attending the University of Georgia, he’s a Georgia boy through and through. He played baseball growing up, loves being outdoors, and enjoys hunting and fishing. Elaina, on the other hand, has lived all over the country. As a military brat, she had the chance to grow up on the East Coast, West Coast, and along the Gulf. While she’s moved often, Florida has always been home since she was born there and returned in 2017.
Where we are
Long Distance
Right now, Matt and Elaina are surviving long distance. They started dating in October 2024, just a couple weeks after their first date at a UGA football game. Since then, they’ve been making the 6-hour trips to see each other whenever they can. Matt has spent some of his time at UGA and some working in Atlanta. Elaina has remained in Florida working full time and getting her degree online. When they’re apart, they stay connected through phone calls, letters, and prayers. In July 2025, they got engaged! Matt popped the question at 6:30 a.m. while watching the sunrise over Choctawhatchee Bay. It was the perfect moment—just the two of them, time spent in the Word, and a double rainbow on the horizon.
Where we're going
Athens, GA
After the wedding, Matt and Elaina will be moving to Athens, Georgia, and living in an apartment together. Matt will continue his studies at UGA, working toward a degree in Mechanical Engineering and planning to graduate in Spring 2027. Elaina will finish her Business Management & Supervision degree online, with graduation at the end of 2026. They’ll both be working jobs to save up for life after graduation. In their free time, they enjoy playing cards and going on walks together. In the future, they hope to travel when they can. Elaina is excited to bring her thrifted and antique finds to life in their new apartment, while Matt is secretly hoping his Star Wars LEGO sets make the decoration list. They’re looking forward to settling into Athens, building routines together, and making their space feel like home.