In 2019, Matt and Nikki both took a study abroad trip to Italy and Greece. Lancaster Bible College and Missouri Baptist University had partnered together with an organization that allows students to study sport management in the field. They met on May 13, 2019 on a tour bus at the Athens airport. For Matt, he knew from the start that something was different about her. Nikki, however, took a little bit more convincing. It wasn't until day three in Olympia, Greece that she first took interest. A few days later, they had their first "date" in Athens, Greece. At the time it was just dinner, but who are we kidding! We all know it was a date! They went to a quaint, outdoor cafe on the streets of Athens. They traveled to Rome the next day, where they enjoyed each other's company as they went sight seeing around the city laughing and eating gelato. A week later, they headed back to America. They managed to keep in touch over the coming weeks. A month later in June, Nikki was going though some hard times. Matt was right there to support her. He sent a playlist of uplifting Christian songs to help her get through it. It was then that she knew she wanted to be with him. They took their time making it "official" and became boyfriend and girlfriend later that August. For nearly a year and a half, Matt and Nikki made their relationship work through long distance. Both would make as many trips as they could to PA and Missouri. But the distance couldn't stop them from talking daily through texts, long Facetimes, and Snapchats.

Then, in February 2021, Matt and Nikki made a last second trip to Florida to see Nikki's grandmother. It happened that both had a layover in Atlanta where they'd meet up. On the way to their flight, Matt pulled Nikki aside and got down on one knee, pulled out a ring pop, and asked the most important question, "Nicole Katherine Walen, will you marry me?" Of course she said yes! The happy couple is thrilled to be starting this next chapter of their lives!