Matt and Danielle met at a Southside ED holiday party. Though Danielle was not currently working in the ED at that time, she was attending as a "+1" for our now mutual friend Amanda. Ironically, Amanda suddenly fell ill that evening, and Danielle, per her usual "up for anything self", seized the moment and decided to go anyway (after all her hair was already done!). Their paths first crossed helping to ensure a mutual friend, who enjoyed the party a little too much, got home safely. Fast forward a few months, and fate brought them together again when Danielle returned the Southside ED to embark on the one year journey of her NP Fellowship. Due to Matt's role in the educational programs of the department, Danielle and Matt spent a lot of time together throughout that year, and a friendship and mentorship began to develop. The harsh reality of being a healthcare worker during an unforseen time like the Covid pandemic only brought them closer together, and when the world shut down in 2020, their relationship revved up! In May of that year, Matt had planned a romantic beach picnic to ask Danielle to be his girlfriend. However, two days beforehand, while talking in his driveway, she actually asked him first!!! Matt and Danielle realized what a perfect pair they were, their feelings for each other blossomed, and they have been inseparable ever since.

Though the foundation of Danielle and Matts relationship was built during the heart of a pandemic they feel ti only made them stronger as a couple. Starting to date during a global shutdown was, as you could imagine, challenging, but allowed them to spend a lot of quality time alone and to enjoy more creative date experiences like a hot air balloon ride over the farmland in Western NJ. For Danielle it was a dream come true! 🤩It was during that time they discovered their love for hiking and the outdoors 🥾🏔️, learned they are better medical professionals than painters 🎨🖌️🖼️, and that making beer at home involves a lot more patience than one would assume. Let’s just say it was awful! 🍻 Besides their love of medicine and their careers in healthcare ⚕️🩺🏥(which only brings them closer together), Danielle and Matt share each other's outgoing and fun-loving, up-for-anything spirit. They both love traveling together, seeing the world and the beauty of God’s creation (especially the sunny beaches of the Caribbean), and visiting new countries ✈️🌏Whenever they get a chance, you can bet they are on a flight off to explore their next bucket list destination!! Their most unique trip was to Croatia where they spent a week on a boat, sailing on the Adriatic Sea with four other couples. Danielle also showed Matt the peace and beauty of her and her family’s favorite place- Newfound Lake, NH. Danielle and Matt both enjoy spending time and making memories with friends and family, working out together, and relaxing on the beach (they love Fire Island!). Though both successful on their own, they truly feel they have found true love in one another and are simply just “ better together”. Throughout their relationship they have learned new hobbies together like skiing 🎿 (despite Danielles broken wrist in 2021) and cooking (Danielles getting the hang of it!). Perhaps their biggest accomplishment together thus far is becoming homeowners for the first time! 🏡They love their new home and can't wait to fill it with the laughter of their family and friends! Danielle believes Matt is a gift from God and an answer to her prayers. 🙏✝️Her favorite thing about Matt is his enthusiasm for life and they way he loves her unconditionally and brings out the best in her. Matt loves Danielle’s ambition, her generosity towards others, and adventurous spirit. They can not wait to say “ I Do” and spend forever together. 💕

Matt knew early on he wanted to make Danielle his wife, but he knew asking had to be perfect - and it was just that! The weather was not on his side though! So after a lot of thought, planning, and several re-scheduled attempts, Matt took Danielle out on a sunset cruise in their new hometown of Huntington where they enjoyed a relaxing sail around the harbor, shared delicious food, wine, and treats, and admired the sunset together. As they stood on the bow of the boat in awe of the colors of the sky, Matt dropped to one knee, and asked the love of his life to be his wife. He had coordinated with a photographer who posed as a "crew" member and was able to capture the moment perfectly!! Of course her response was an immediate "YES!". When they arrived back at the dock, both of their families were waiting for them to celebrate the love they've found in each other and their new life together. ♥️🛥️🌅💍