Clare and Matthew met freshman year at Auburn University through mutual friends and both being members of the Auburn Catholic campus ministry. They became friends but did not grow close until their junior year when Clare and her roommates moved into the same apartment complex that Matthew and his roommates lived in. They all began to see each other much more frequently when the boys would just show up uninvited at their apartment. After many group hangs including trivia nights, birthday parties, and sporting events, Matthew and Clare really got to know each other on a day trip to an Atlanta Braves game that spring. It ended up being just the two of them that day, because no one else agreed to go with Matthew (many people still wonder if he even invited anyone else). Matthew also schemed his way into having Clare often help him with his psychology assignments (he was very briefly a psych minor). Once he turned in his final exam, he immediately asked Clare if she would go on a date with him that upcoming weekend, to which she replied "umm, what time? I am supposed to meet my grandpa on Saturday for lunch..." Alas, they did end up going on that date and officially became a couple in May of 2021.

Clare and Matthew’s relationship was built upon their mutual devotion and love of the Lord. From the very beginning they attended Masses together, prayed rosaries and holy hours together, and continually asked the Lord to lead them however and wherever He desired. After over two and a half years of dating, Matthew took Clare to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Opelika, AL, a parish that they frequented together for Mass and prayer. He proposed there in front of Our Lady. After the proposal, Matthew surprised Clare at her parents’ home with their friends and families ready to celebrate. It was a great day full of excitement and gratitude, an awesome reminder of God's goodness and love.

Lord God, we acknowledge Your greatness and the need for Your grace in marriage. We thank You now for the gift You have given Clare & Matthew in each other, this opportunity to love and be loved completely. We pray they accept this beautiful challenge and ask You to bless them. May their love encourage them to grow to be holier individuals, bringing out the best in each other. Following Your example, Jesus, may they be quick to forgive, ready with a healing word or touch. Teach them to speak to each other with charity and honesty. Help them avoid the temptation to take each other for granted. Instead, remind them, day by day, to see each other as You see them. May they be as patient with each other as You are with them. May their love be generous, reaching out beyond themselves to all they meet. Let their life together be a light of hope to those who fear that a total commitment is not possible today. May their faith give them courage, believing that the love that comes from You is freeing and life-giving. Lord, be a partner with them in their marriage; with Your help it will be strong and enduring. We rejoice that You have brought them together. May they always be one in You. Amen.