Matt and Elaine met in 2010, passing faces that caught each others eye at a friend's get together. Nothing more happened than a smile and a few words, but there was undoubtably a lasting impression. Elaine went back to college and Matt went off to fight fires. Through the next few years, chance encounters brought more conversations and longer looks. After Elaine finished school, they ran into each other once again on New Years Eve. Matt took the opportunity and asked her on a date, though he immediately had to go out of town for work. Ten long days later they had their first date, and a relationship started that lasted through the years and miles.

Matt had been in Arizona in July and finally found the perfect ring. He had it shipped to New York, and it was sitting at the bottom of his dresser waiting for the perfect moment. Beverly, Elaine's mom, gave him the perfect opening, and scheduled a trip for Elaine back to Phoenix in August. Matt had a date and plan and waited. After some coordination with Beverly, Matt flew down a day after and surprised Elaine by picking her up from visiting her grandparents. They drove north to Lake Pleasant, where they had spent one of their first dates. Shortly after arriving, Matt pulled out a bottle of champagne and glasses. Elaine asked, "what is that for?" Matt said, "to celebrate", got down on one knee and proposed. After a few hours at the lake, they had a celebratory dinner with family, and spent the weekend at the Andaz.

Please feel free to contact Matt or Elaine with any questions. mryanschafer11@gmail.com elaine.m.ashley@gmail.com