Married now. Celebrate later…

One regular night at Beacon in Downtown Coeur d'Alene, there was an open seat next to Matthew at the crowded bar. Allyson expected a simple evening, just hanging out with coworkers and friends. Instead, they had a wonderful conversation - that neither of them exactly remember - but each would say that it was just wonderful. What they will never forget, it was the beginning of a wild adventure together. They shared one dance on an open floor that night, and have been dancing through life ever since.

It was the Saturday after Thanksgiving. While visiting Allyson's parents in Boise, ID, Matt took them for a walk on the Greenbelt by the Anne Frank memorial - one of her favorite spots. On the way back, Matt saw his chance without runner or biker passing by. He got down on one knee as Allyson was looking at the river. Matt said, "I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if we went back home and I didn't make you my fiancé." Tears started welling up in Allyson's eyes. Of course, she nodded her head, "Yes!"

On Leap Day of 2024, Matt and Allyson had the wild opportunity to fly to Hawaii with a few friends for cheap. Before their trip stress regarding wedding plans (originally set for 6.22.24) were creeping up with job issues and hopes of buying a house within the year. With wedding venue switches and the family guest list getting bigger with time, talks of possibly eloping were becoming more and more frequent. A couple days before they left for Hawaii, Allyson researched if it was even *possible* to do something small on the island. The HI Department of Licensing website showed that in order to be married: the couple had to first, make an appointment with the office; and then, select a state-licensed officiant. On Monday, Allyson sent the DOL office an email to see if there were any available appointments on the Thursday they landed or the following Friday. The office didn't reply that day, nor did they reply the next day or even the next. By Thursday, morning of the flight, Allyson did not expect to receive any communication from the DOL office. It was going to an amazing, and much needed, vacation for the couple regardless! However, while they were waiting in the Seattle airport for their next flight, Allyson received an email from the office stating their last available appt for marriage licenses was at 3:00pm. Their flights were to arrive around 2:00pm. Once the wheels touched down, Allyson and Matthew booked it to the DOL office. Looking like a hot mess, they made it! They were able to get registered to get married that weekend. The next day, they found a wonderful pastor, Michael Ferreira, to marry them next to Kahanamoku Beach. Allyson had ordered a dress with quick shipping from Amazon. They bought some leis from the ABC stores; and by that Sunday, they were joined in the presence of their friends Kristina, Kimberly and Sean (as well as some strangers on the beach). Before the sun set, Allyson walked down "the aisle" and a nearby band at one of the hotels played the instrumental version of "Marry Me" by Jason Derulo. It was all meant to be. While the couple will be married by 5.10.24, they still want to celebrate their nuptials with close friends and family. Don't forget to RSVP and we'll see you in May!