we're getting married!

The year was 2021. Matt had just moved to Chicago for a research year at Rush Orthopedics and decided to download a dating app in search of someone he could woo with whiskey and espresso martinis. Arielle? Though more of a tequila and wine gal herself, she was looking for someone who could be a responsible father figure for her beloved dog, Brody. Matt invited Arielle out for drinks at a local dive bar called Lone Wolf. The date lasted about 90 minutes, cost $10, and featured just the right amount of sarcasm and flirtation. Arielle just so happened to have a broken middle finger at the time, and upon learning of Matt's interest in orthopedic surgery, was thrilled to get a doctor's opinion, not (initially) realizing the optics of (accidentally) flipping a guy off on the first date... According to Matt, he walked away from that bar knowing two things: 1) he had to see her again, and 2) this woman was going to cost him way more than $10 in the long run. From there came tacos, a drive-in movie, and a Ferris Bueller-style adventure through the city. The chemistry was instant, the laughs were nonstop, and Brody… well, he was skeptical. At first, he viewed Matt as an intruder, but after realizing Matt could provide superb belly rubs and sneak him treats (and after seeing how he treated Arielle), he was sold. Within a couple months, Brody and Matt were best buds, and Arielle was falling for the guy who not only loved her—but also willingly cleaned up after her dog. A year and some change later, Matt and Arielle packed up and moved to Rochester, MN when Matt matched at Mayo Clinic for orthopedic surgery. Together, they survived intern year, made tons of new friends, learned to appreciate small-town charm (and the occasional drive to Costco for entertainment), and built a life full of teamwork, takeout, and hospital dinner dates. Then, on August 22, 2024, during a family trip to Jackson Hole, Matt pulled off the impossible: he surprised Arielle. With the help of some very sneaky friends (looking at you, Nicole and Sam!!!!), he popped the question in the mountains—and she said yes! Cue the champagne, the happy tears, and Brody wondering why no one had told him about this plan.