Their story begins at the end of 2007, in a little town called Falmouth. Mary was working as a sales associate at Olympia Sports, and Matt was just beginning his career as a young mechanic. The former ‘Mr. Clipper’ had a thing for hats at the time and happened to go shopping at Olympia while Mary was working. He was in search of a ‘fuzzy dice’ hat, but instead happened upon his future wife. Neither knew at the time, but they had each just met the person they would walk through the rest of life with. Over the coming weeks, thanks to the help of a mutual friend, they continued to bump into each other. Finally, Matt drew up the courage to ask Mary out. The plan was set to meet at ‘The 99’ for lunch. Matt was late, and he will never live it down. Thankfully, Mary let it slide, and much to the waitress’ dismay, they sat in the booth for over four hours just talking. The spark was officially lit. A few weeks later, the day after Matt’s birthday, he officially asked her to be his girlfriend. The date was November 23, 2007, and it marked the beginning of their ‘official’ romance. One month later, Matt showed up to Olympia with a single rose, to mark their one-month anniversary. Mary received two roses for their two-month anniversary, three roses for their three-month, and so on. Until…three years later, when Matt realized roses are really expensive, and he knew he had to start saving for the ring and the future he had planned for his beautiful girlfriend.

Over the years, their love continued to grow. Mary was in school for a really long time. When Matt was asked what his girlfriend did for a living, he would reply, "she's a professional student". And even though Mary was far away at Worcester State, Matt just couldn’t keep away. He would go as far as to drive from Falmouth, all the way to Hyannis to purchase Mary’s favorite orange chicken (from the mall) and then drive it up to Worcester, just because he knew it would make her smile. They have supported each other through all their ups and downs. Each suffering far too many losses over the years, but the strength of their love has carried them through it all.

Almost ten years later, Matt needed to ask for permission to marry the love of his life, and he knew who better to ask than Mary’s mother and best friend. The joy and happiness of saying yes to officially become mother-in-law to the man she already considered a son, made her hopeful and excited for the future to come. To seal the deal, the world’s two greatest huggers embraced in the most epic hug. Now the pressure was on for Matt to plan the proposal for the woman who perfectionists admire. What better date than their official 10-year anniversary November 23, 2017. Their anniversary fell on thanksgiving that year, so Matt invited Mary’s family over for a feast. After everyone was stuffed and ready for a nap, Matt suggested they all go visit their Mom at Old Silver Beach and watch the sunset. Pictures abound and just as they finished, Matt asked for one more couple’s picture. Mary obliged, never one to turn down a good photo op, and just as she turned to flip and fix her hair, there Matt was down on one knee. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, the next chapter of their lives began. What the future holds for them, no one knows, but it is sure to be filled with happiness, support and endless love. To be continued…The best is yet to come…