We met the summer of 2016 in Raleigh and went on our first date to Jose and Son's, the home of the best margarita. We ended up hitting it off fairly quickly and spent the summer going to concerts, breweries, and getting to know each other. We both quickly realized that this was something that was going to last and we started officially dating about a month after we met.

Most of you who know Matt well know he isn't the talkative type, but on this day he could not stop texting me! We had plans with friends to have dinner at our place, but they cancelled last minute (Matt had planned that, I had no idea and was upset about it) so he asked me to meet him at the golf course he works at to go to dinner. It was a little out of the ordinary, but nothing that would make me think he was going to propose! He had a tournament coming up in Gulf Shores we were heading to the beach that weekend for, so he wanted to play a few holes and have me ride along. Vestavia Country Club's par 3 course has some of the most incredible views in Birmingham. We got to the 4th hole, Matt teed up and hit his first good shot of the evening. When we were on the green, he asked me to come out and putt. I hate putting, but I did it anyway. I made a comment about the beauty of his view every day, and turned around to find Matt getting down on one knee to ask me to marry him. It was just the two of us, so intimate and at a place that has become so special to our relationship. Our wonderful friend, Rebekah, was there to take photos of the engagement and pop some bubbly with us right as the sun was starting to set over the mountains.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, we have some family members unable to attend and some friends that we had to uninvite to our festivities. As sad as we are that you cannot physically be there, we know your love and support will surround us. Our church, St. Paul's, has offered to live stream our ceremony on their YouTube channel. All you will need to do is go to www.spechurch.com and the YouTube Link labeled "Matt and Cari, 2/20/21" will be front and center on their home page! Your virtual attendance will mean more to us than you know. We love each and every one of our family members and friends that will be watching!