If it wasn't for our two friends Lauren Riddell and Garrett Maternick, we might not be where we are today. We can give Catonsville Middle some credit as well. It all began at Garrett Maternick's birthday happy hour. Matt, Katie and I all showed up late so we were stuck on the end of the table. We didn't even talk that much but I thought Matt was very good looking and started asking Lauren, his co-worker and my roommate questions. Lucky me! He thought the same thing and Lauren set up a fun night out in Baltimore soon after so we could meet again. We clicked instantly and went from strangers to best friends and soulmates extremely fast! Meeting each other is the best thing that has ever happened to us.

I remember planning the day leading up to the proposal. I would always make plans on the fly, so Sarah was surprised to see I was planning ahead but did not think much into it. I remember being so excited waking up that morning. We arrived in DC, checked into our hotel, got ready for the day/night and headed over to The Wharf to grab lunch and a couple drinks. We were having a blast sitting in the restaurant overlooking the water. I must have checked my coat pocket hundreds of times making sure the ring was still in there. Later we went to see the National Tree, which was lit up at night. My plan was to propose to Sarah in front of the Maryland tree (for those that have never been to the National Tree, there are 50 state trees surrounding it). As we were walking to it, I was nervous as hell. We entered the area of the National Tree, and there were tons of people. We made our way to the Maryland Tree, and my heart dropped because the state trees stood about two feet off the ground. In my head, I am thinking there is no way I can ask the girl of my dreams to marry me in front of this Charlie Brown tree. I decided it was best to continue to walk around and look at the ornaments representing each state tree. The walkway around the tree was crowded so I was hoping for a small delay in people. It finally came and I asked Sarah if she wanted me to get somebody to take a picture of us in front of the National Tree, and she said yes. I tracked a lady down and asked if she would take a picture of Sarah and I. I remember walking away from Sarah with the lady to tell her what I was about to do. I still remember Sarah saying, “Where are you going Matt?”. As I made it back to Sarah, the walkway was still clear. That is when I got down on one knee and asked Sarah to marry me. I still remember that look on her face as it lit up with excitement, and tears of joy came streaming down it. It was and will always be my favorite day, and one that I will never forget!