We're Getting Married (παντρευόμαστε)

We matched on Tinder, and yep, it was Matt who messaged first. Abby, well, she played it cool (or maybe forgot? 😅) and didn’t message back for two whole weeks. Just as Abby decided to say 'Hi', Matt had already packed his bags for Malta for a new job. Talk about timing! While Matt was wandering along the beautiful Maltese coast, chatting away on the phone, Abby was back home wrestling with aertex on her walls. Not exactly romantic. Our chats went from a few texts to long phone calls. Picture this: Matt strolling by the sea and Abby covered in dust and paint 🤣 Months flew by with loads of talks and laughs, and we realised this was something special. Finally, Matt came back to Leeds Bradford. This was our first real date! It was at The Beverley Arms in Ackworth. Matt was a bundle of nerves, literally shaking, while Abby showed confidence and was (still is) stunning. Surprisingly, thanks to all those calls during Malta (work) adventure, we had already clicked. And here we are, writing our own little love story, this is our next chapter and we'd like you to join us.

When Matt entered Abby's life, he didn't just meet a beautiful mum; he was welcomed by two incredible boys, Jacob and Joseph, and embraced them as his own. Dating was an adventure filled with laughter and happiness, but it was during the unexpected twists of the COVID pandemic that our true family unit was forged. Those days, filled with challenges and uncertainties, brought out the best in us. Amidst the lockdowns and the world turning upside down, Abby's (then home) became a temple of love, learning, and growing together - this was also our test of compatibility, which we passed with flying colours 💖

At first, Matt moved into Abby's place, through Covid. Meanwhile, Matt's three-bed semi in Ackworth was just sitting there, empty. Then, out of the blue, Abby spotted this amazing house on Rightmove in Adwick, not too far from her current house – four bedrooms, an office, a driveway, and even a double garage. It was like the dream house. It was one of those "Why Not?" moments, Matt suggested to go check it out. Abby was on it (as she always is) and set up a viewing. Leading up to the most awkward property viewing, we must have won an award, with the property owner and Matt competiting for the 'Most Unsocial Award' while Abby tried her best to keep the convo going. Everything about the house felt just right. As we left, we both knew this gem wouldn’t be on the market for long, especially after a price drop. After some quick math (turns out, one big house is cheaper than two smaller ones – who knew?), we decided to make an offer - which was quickly accepted to our amazement and delight, we even cheekily asked for the solid wood table to be thrown in. All this off a whim with no mortgage offer in place! Matt’s house sold in a week – talk about fast! However, understandable since not one piece of the original new built had changed apart from a half-decorated downstairs toilet. Abby's rental? Sorted just as quickly. Three years of renovations later, and here we are, living in what we can proudly call our dream home. It’s been a wild and interesting ride, but every brushstroke was totally worth it! 🏡💕

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Abby had always dreamed of getting married, but Matt? Not so much. That was until something magical happened, and Matt was deeply in love with Abby and their family. Suddenly, the idea of becoming Husband and Wife didn't just feel right; it felt perfect. It symbolised their growth, love, and unshakable commitment. About five months before the big question, Matt started his secret mission. He dived into the world of engagement rings and proposal ideas, trying to figure out the perfect way to pop the question. Abby had her suspicions – Matt was never the type to chat about wedding stuff, and his sudden interest in rings didn't go unnoticed! Matt, in his usual thorough way, gathered all the info he could about what Abby would love in a ring. Finally, he found the one. Although engagement ring ads almost gave it all away, but Abby was still in the dark about his plans. With the ring being made, Matt steered clear of any wedding talk to keep the surprise under wraps. But as the ring's arrival drew closer, Matt still hadn't settled on how to propose. He brainstormed everything from a work-themed proposal (a big no-no since Abby's a probation officer), to skywriting, and even fancy back garden displays. Yet, no decision was made - typical! Then the day arrived. During a work call, the ring was delivered, and the pressure hit Matt. His nerves skyrocketed, and he knew he couldn't wait any longer. When Abby came home with Edison, Matt pocketed the ring to find the right moment. – Abby, feeding Eddie his bottle, noticed Matt's odd behaviour and called him out for being 'shady' 🤣 Matt spontaneously got down on one knee, fumblingly opened the ring box backwards, and asked Abby to marry him. Abby, in utter shock and joy, said yes, while Eddie, oblivious, got his face covered in milk. Abby was over the moon, and they soon agreed on the dream wedding location: Greece. The ring was five sizes too small and had to be sent back for resizing. 🥂💍