Though they first met through mutual friends in high school, it wasn’t until seven years later that their love story began. One January evening, Tia was at a local bar for a birthday celebration when Matt walked in (unknowingly, for the same birthday celebration) and waved hello from across the bar. They spent the rest of the night talking and it was as if they never missed a beat. They have been inseparable ever since! Just one month later, Matt asked Tia to be his girlfriend, followed by an exchange of “I love you”s the following month. Their love knows no boundaries or judgments and has been easy to do from the very beginning...it just comes naturally. They are each others best friend, lover and everything in between. Matthew grounds her, makes her laugh until she can’t breathe & is so supportive in everything she does. Tia motivates and encourages Matt and always is surprising him with thoughtful, little attentions. Adventuring together is their favorite thing to do - from hiking at Hocking Hills to traveling to Arizona, Charleston, Boston, Nashville and beyond, to cheering on the Cleveland Indians and Columbus Blue Jackets to playing on sand volleyball, softball and kickball teams together. When they’re not on the move, they love snuggling up with their pup, watching game shows like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, prompting everyone to joke that they’re an “old couple!”, and hosting game nights with family & friends. After Tia nudging Matt a few times, he finally had the courage to ask Tia to spend the rest of his life with her. While waiting in line for one of Tia’s favorite Christmas movies, ‪The Polar Express‬, at a Cleveland Zoo holiday event, Matt got down on one knee… with a full speech prepared, but due to his nerves, only managed to ask “Babe, will you marry me?”. Of course, that was enough and they will both say “I do” May 2021 with family and friends surrounded! 💍💕