We never seem to have a simple answer when asked how long we have known each other. Although we went to the same elementary and middle school, our paths never crossed often. We both attended Bishop Luers High School, with Matthew graduating in 2015 and Kennedy graduating in 2017. Being two years apart, we didn't talk often. After graduation, Matt went on to Purdue University and Kennedy went to Trine University. They would see each other occasionally at their brothers' Friday night football games; Matt occasionally asked Kennedy for a score update if he couldn't make it home from college. They always enjoyed seeing each other, but that was it! By the fall of 2021, Matt had moved back to Fort Wayne after working and living in Chicago. Kennedy had just graduated from Trine and was back in Fort Wayne to start her first year teaching. By this time, they were both involved at Bishop Luers again. Matthew was helping coach the football team's offensive line, and Kennedy was assistant coaching the girls' soccer team. Their coaching worlds ultimately led to a reconnection. After working the Coach Mike Egts Foundation Golf Outing together, Friday night drinks after football games at 07, and Matt's first Marvel movie (Iron Man, of course!) - the rest, as they say - was history. When we tell people we went to high school together, the next question is usually to ask if we've been together since then. We certainly haven't. We are thankful for our shared values and circumstances that brought us back to Fort Wayne at the same time. God has had many workings in our lives, ultimately leading to each other and our life together.

What was your most memorable date? "One of our favorites happened in Portland, Oregon! We spent an evening on a dinner cruise along the Columbia River that separates Portland from the state of Washington. We had a three-course meal while Matt tried to see if anyone famous owned one of the massive houses along the river." What's your favorite activity together? "We don't think there is anything better than spending lake weekends together on Atwood Lake with sports on the TV for Matt and a book in Kennedy's hand. When lake season sadly comes to an end, we love catching up on our favorite shows - Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. Kennedy spends Friday nights during the fall watching Matt coach football before they wake up early Saturday mornings for Purdue tailgates and home games." Where are you going for your honeymoon? "We are spending seven nights in St. Lucia - West Indies! We will get to snorkel, hike St. Lucia's Petit Piton, experience a hot springs mud bath, and go on a sunset cruise." What's the most memorable trip you've taken together? "We LOVED everything about our time in Charleston, SC last summer. We spent three days on the Isle of Palms before heading into Charleston and Mount Pleasant for a tour of Fort Sumter and Boone Hall Plantation. We love local cuisine and coffee, so our meals together were the highlight of the trip." The most spontaneous thing we've done is ... "We bought a house while Matthew was on vacation. He didn't see the house in person until it was time for the inspection after our offer was accepted! Thank goodness for Zillow." We take pride in ... "We take pride in our commitment to children and the community. Although we present this in two different ways, we both value giving back to the kids in our community. Matthew does this through coaching, helping his players grow as athletes and people. Kennedy gives her all as a teacher, working in special education, coaching the middle school, and running their yearbook club!"