We’re getting married!

It all started thanks to a couple of our best friends — Morgan and Brady. While out on a hunting trip, Matthew very intentionally asked Brady if Morgan had any single friends. Brady called Morgan, who then called me — while I was on a girls’ trip at Christkindlmarkt in Chicago. A couple of Sundays later, we had our first group Sunday Funday. Then another. Before the next, Matthew asked to take me out one-on-one. Our first “real” date was a freezing night by the fire on his family’s property, where we skipped the small talk and dove straight into the big questions. From the very beginning, we were both clear: we weren’t dating just to date — we were looking for something with substance. From that night on, we kept choosing each other and now, we can’t wait to say “I do” surrounded by all of you.

We were living in Florida but planning to move back home in about a month. When we first moved down, we planned to be there until at least August 2025 — and Matt promised he would propose before we left Florida. When our plans changed, I assumed the proposal timeline had changed too. The special spots I had imagined for engagement photos and the excitement of being surprised there felt like they had quietly slipped away. For a late Valentine’s Day celebration, Matt planned a dinner at a restaurant on the bay we had both been wanting to try. With snowbird traffic in full swing, we left early and arrived well before our reservation. To pass the time, we walked along the beach — or at least that’s what I thought we were doing. After a few minutes, it seemed like no matter where I stood or which direction I walked, it wasn’t quite right. Then, he began. From that moment on, everything was a blur. We both blacked out in the best way — overwhelmed with joy, excitement, and disbelief. As we soaked it all in, he told me about when he had asked for everyone’s blessing. That’s when I realized he hadn’t mentioned asking my sister, Erika — who had always (half joking, half not) insisted she’d need to give her approval and be there as the photographer. That’s when he smiled and said there was one more surprise. Suddenly, Erika and Reid appeared from different directions on the beach. Another wave of pure joy washed over us. As it turns out, he never actually got the reservation at the bayfront restaurant — so we celebrated at a timeless classic, Venezia instead. It was the perfect evening: looking ahead to forever with my favorite person, on a beach that means so much to us, ending at one of our favorite places.