It was August 2014, my second year working at Mr. Bill's Carhop as an ice cream server and carhop, when Matt joined us as a dishwasher. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I was captivated by his sweetness and handsomeness. In fact, I found myself dirtying clean dishes to visit with him in the kitchen. Our interactions quickly evolved from cones and casual conversations to playful doodles on ordering pads, sprinkled with witty remarks and banter that sparked the cone-nection between us that led us to our first date. At the time, Matt was a junior in high school, while I was a sophomore. What initially started as a young romance soon blossomed into a deep bond and an unwavering love as we embarked on separate journeys to different colleges 5 hours apart. In 2016, Matt ventured off to Clarkson University to pursue a degree in biology, and a year later, I headed to Hartwick College to pursue a bachelor in science and nursing degree. Despite the challenges that distance and academic pursuits brought, Matt and I never wavered in our commitment to support and love each other. We navigated the ups and downs of long-distance with determination and unwavering faith in our relationship. Our love grew stronger with each passing day, fueled by the memories we cherished and the dreams we shared. Now, as we stand on the cusp of a new chapter in our lives, we are filled with gratitude and excitement. We are blessed to be purchasing our first home together, a testament to the love and dedication we have nurtured over the years. And in August 2024, we will be solidifying our love with a joyous celebration as we exchange vows and embark on the journey of marriage. Our story is a beautiful testament to the power of love, resilience, and unwavering commitment. From playful doodles on ordering pads to buying a home and planning a future together, every step of our journey has been filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a lifetime of happiness.

On that fateful day, May 25th, 2022, a spark of magic ignited as Matt and I set out on a journey to Clearwater, FL. Little did I know, our ordinary vacation would transform into an extraordinary chapter of our love story. As the sun painted the sky on our first full day, May 26th, Matt shared his plans for an enchanting evening. He suggested we dine out and take a leisurely stroll along the beach despite our hotel being situated on a beach, Matt insisted on visiting a different shoreline, promising an abundance of seashells. Curious but unsuspecting, I happily obliged, and we made our way to the chosen beach, eager to witness a breathtaking sunset and collect seashells. As we strolled hand in hand along the sandy shore, time stood still. Matt’s gentle touch halted my steps, and before my mind could comprehend, he knelt down on bended knee and uttered the most heartwarming words, asking me to be his partner for life. Overwhelmed with joy, I enthusiastically said “YES!” Our precious moment had been meticulously orchestrated by Matt and my amazing Mama was eternally captured by a discreet photographer preserving the sheer magic of that unforgettable day.