The fifth of March Two Thousand and Twenty two, these two will say I do!

Dear Loved Ones, They say we make plans and God laughs. I like to think we’ve made God laugh a lot during the unfolding of the Carlisle wedding. Here are some updates, best hummed to the John Denver tune “Leaving on a Jet plane.” Our invitations, they’re out the door, My loves, we know, not much time in store, We hate to put an ounce of pressure on you, So, join us, in person or by Zoom, Tell us that you’ll be here too, Whether you are near, or if you’re far away ‘Cause we’re taking that leap of faith, Tellin’ each other we won’t be late, For this, just ONE last date: We ARE getting married on March 5th! The year, turns out, 2022! There’s still fear in the air, with pandemics and such, Which is why it won’t hurt us a touch, If you cannot travel here in person. But if you are up for the trip, To be with these two love birds as they boldly step, Toward one another to say “I do.” Then please do, get your vaccine. Boosted is best, so that we all can be, Together, as a group, with less fear around. ‘Cause we’re taking that leap of faith, Getting married in a church at 1000 Cooper Street, It’s in the Memphis Cooper-Young neighborhood. It isn’t so far from town, 15 minutes and you’ll be sound, To get from the church to reception venue spot, Where you’ll be met with drinks, and serenaded by song, You won’t have to wait too very long, For Mr. & Mrs. Carlisle to enter the hall. And we’ll eat together and share some words. We will be together in the spirit of love. We’ll kick up the music and offer a floor, For whatever dance moves you may have in store. Because no matter what is happening outside in the world, You are our family, and you are our heart, And the Carlisle family is ready to start. ‘Cause we’re taking that leap of faith, Saying “I do” before God and you, Thank you for loving us and we’ll see you soon. Much Love, Matt & Melody

Dear Loved Ones, When we decided on our wedding date in January of this year, we did so with our eyes wide open to the fact that we are living a very fluid world, and change is as certain as sunrise. We had high hopes because vaccines were on the horizon – vaccines that already have a proven place in history ending such pandemics. And yet, as the year played out, we all saw the ups and downs of the numbers. Last month Tennessee’s numbers rose to the highest cases per capita in the country. Melody’s mom and another close friend both contracted COVID, and have thankfully recovered, but it made both of us reconsider the timing of gathering all of our loved ones together during this season of a continuing pandemic. Then, hurricane Ida hit on the weekend of Matt’s planned bachelor party in New Orleans, and Melody’s wedding shower was cancelled due to a COVID. We are most thankful that Matt’s brother Jeff, sister-in-law Anna, and their two cats are safe, as they live in New Orleans. And so, it is time to re-envision our wedding with the facts of the world at hand in October 2021. We do so, knowing that life must go on too. After consulting with our families and our gracious vendors, we have decided to postpone our Wedding Celebration. We want to hug you, we want to see you, we want to celebrate with you! We want to do so in the absence of fear that our special day of union might put our loved ones at greater risk. Please know that we have made this tough decision out of the love we hold for each and every one of you. Words can’t capture our regret for any confusion or inconvenience that this delay has caused, especially on such short notice. Again, it is a fluid world these days, but our love for you remains steadfast. Thank you for your patience with us as we continue navigating an ever-evolving pandemic. Much Love, Melody & Matt

Matt and Melody met in 2017 when she moved into the apartment just above his in a 100+ year old, 4-unit Midtown Memphis home. Melody was tantilyzed by all of the amazing cooking smells that wafted up to her apartment from Matt's kitchen below. Matt loves creating culinary delights and Melody loves eating, so it was no surprise when they quickly became friends. Then Melody adopted her lab/husky mix, Liefje, and their bond grew stronger through Matt's love for dogs. As an escape artist, Liefie led Matt and Melody on wild goose chases around the neighborhood more than a few times! At the end of that year, on New Years Eve into 2018-19, Matt and Melody celebrated together over candlelight (because the power was out). At midnight, Matt asked if he could kiss Melody - like a true southern gentleman - and that's how it all began! We want our wedding day to be a celebration of our love for each other, the family and friends who shaped us into who we are today, and the town that brought us together. :) Let's party y'all!

In December 2019, Matt and Melody moved into their first home together in the Cooper-Young neighborhood of Memphis. When everything shut down due to COVID-19 just a few months later, both were even more grateful to be in their own sanctuary, with great neighbors on both sides and a park across the street. The home was built in 1912 and has been a joy to make their own (well, except for a major plumbing thing, but that's another story). During COVID the yard got a lot of attention, and also a beautiful raised bed garden where their green thumb efforts are yielding some great vegetables and herbs for the kitchen. In the midst of 2020, they decided that Liefje needed a friend, and that's how the German shepherd puppy, Ziggy Stardust, joined the crew. (He is no longer a puppy, but a ginormous love-bug.)

One day, Matt said, "the weather's great tomorrow - why don't we take the dogs for a hike?" They drove to Mt. Nebo, a favorite hiking spot in Arkansas. Although it was December, the sky was clear blue and the weather warm. Liefje and Ziggy Stardust were along for the hike. When they stopped along Fern Lake for a brief respite, Liefje led Ziggy straight into the water for his first swim. And just a few minutes later, Matt took a leap of his own, went down on one knee, and asked Melody to marry him. She said YES! Even before she saw the beautiful ring that Matt picked out after asking her parents for their blessings and getting ring suggestions from her best friend. As they took their first walk together as an engaged couple, the sky's sunset seemed to be just for them. Bright hues lit up the sky. It was joyous and peaceful and perfect.