We first met in our history methods class during the spring semester of sophomore year at Loyola University Maryland. Matt was the quiet and focused ROTC cadet, while Sydney, let’s just say, sometimes skipped the readings (sorry, Mom and Dad!). Our first real interaction was when Sydney asked Matt for help with homework. What began as a simple classroom connection turned into a lasting friendship that carried us through college. In 2019, our paths crossed again. Matt was serving as a second lieutenant stationed at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) in Fayetteville, NC, while Sydney was living with her friend Sarah Doyle (now a bridesmaid) in Arlington, VA. Despite the challenges of long-distance including a year between NC and TX, we made it work and eventually moved in together in 2022—back in Fayetteville, where it all began! Today, we’re building our life together in Maryland. Matt has transitioned out of the Army and is pursuing his MBA, while Sydney works at a think tank in Washington, DC. We’re so excited to celebrate our love with all of you—our incredible friends and family—who have been there for us every step of the way. Let’s make this celebration unforgettable!