Matt and Janine both grew up in Danbury, CT, living just five minutes apart. Their age gap meant they never overlapped in school, so they each went about most of their teen years totally unaware of the other’s existence. When Shannon and Janine became besties, Matt, in turn, became just the random older sibling who sometimes ferried them to and from basketball practice. Over time, and over raucous games of Quiplash and Catan, Matt and Janine slowly became genuine friends too (there’s nothing sexier than flirting over road building and resource cards. Janine benefited hugely from some less than fair trades). During winter break board game nights and summer visits to Six Flags, Matt’s developing crush on Janine became the worst kept secret in the Geary family. Janine found herself working Matt into every conversation she had. It was all just in good fun anyways, right? Janine was off in Atlanta, finishing up her graduate degree (nerd). Matt was living in southeastern CT, working on submarines (nerd). Their lives were taking them in different directions, and they told themselves that was fine. Then COVID happened. They found themselves unexpectedly back in Danbury for months, with nothing but time to figure out how much they actually meant to one another (spoiler alert: a lot). Over long walks at Kenosia Park (definitely 6 ft apart) and after many anxiety-inducing conversations for each of them (“Shannon…I really like your brother”) they realized this wasn’t a casual crush. This was true love. Fast forward through 8 months of Georgia to Connecticut long distance (yuck) while Janine finished her MPH. Matt, Janine’s biggest cheerleader and steadfast supporter, agreed to uproot his life and move with Janine to Richmond, VA so she could take the job she truly wanted. For this, Janine's gratitude is immeasurable. After nearly 5 years together, Matt proposed to Janine at one of her favorite places in the whole wide world: her Grandparents' cherished property, The Farm. Those who know Janine well will know she thinks way too hard about every single decision. But this time, she didn’t even need to think twice.