Matthew and I met 10 years ago in high school. I had been switched straight from "English for speakers of second languages" to honors English, which was absolutely terrifying. During the year, Matthew and I bonded as friends, him always asking for my homework as an excuse to text me. Every. Time. On the day of our high school graduation we said goodbye and I told him to not be a stranger if he sees me around college. I told him if he ever needed anything to feel free to text me. We were friends in class but I did not think we would remain close after going our separate ways. So, after a quick hug and picture we parted ways. I never thought I would see him again until he texted me that night and said "Hey. This is me not being a stranger". From there we started texting every day about things more serious than homework and we started getting to know each other on a deeper level. Our first date was a walk around Waterford Lakes Town Center, topped off with some delicious ice cream. We share a passion for traveling and discovering new foods, but our favorite moments are the cozy ones—snuggled on the couch with our dog, Anakin, watching our favorite shows and indulging in ice cream. We also enjoy spending time with our family and friends and hosting game nights. On September 7, 2023, in Winter Park, Matthew surprised me with a romantic dinner followed by a serene walk, where he proposed and I happily said “yes.” We can’t wait to celebrate our love and embark on this exciting new chapter together. We want to invite you to be a part of our story and celebrate with us on our most anticipated day.

Matthew Claudio grew up in Bronx, New York, which is why he loves snow and big cities. In his high school years, Matthew and his family relocated to Florida, where he met me. After graduating high school, Matthew pursued his passion for technology and innovation by enrolling at the University of Central Florida (UCF) to study electrical engineering. For those who have never played a board game with Matthew, he is extremely smart and annoyingly good at strategy games like chess, mancala, monopoly, risk, and dominoes. Matthew's main hobby is working on his 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX (his most prized possession). He also enjoys traveling to different cities, going to the beach, and trying new local restaurants. Matthew is known for his sense of humor and warm-hearted nature. Matthew's humor and easy going personality is what I love most about him and what made me fall in love with him in the first place. He is extremely social and outgoing. One time while we were traveling to Atlanta, he made it his goal to befriend every uber driver that gave us a ride. He would seriously not shut up while we were sitting in traffic and all of them seemed to appreciate his conversations and making their day a bit less mundane. What I lack in extroversion and gregariousness, Matthew has enough for the both of us. I have known Matthew for 10 years and he has accomplished every goal that he has set for himself since high school. He is extremely hard working, humble, giving, and selfless. I have no doubt in my mind that he is going to be the best husband and father someday, since one of his main goals has always been to be there and to provide for his family.

The first day of senior year in high school, I walked into English class and saw her. I thought, to myself: "I have never seen anyone with such big, beautiful eyes." Throughout the year I would talk to Yoliana more and more, becoming interested in her story. Coming to Florida from Puerto Rico without her parents at 15, not knowing much English, yet already so accomplished. Being only in the States for a year, she had been voted to be the President of the Hispanic club (biggest club in the school), was dual-enrolled in a tech program where she became a licensed phlebotomist, among other certifications, won 1st place in the state painting competition for Hispanic Club, and was put into honors English after only a year of being here. Once we graduated, we started talking more and hanging out over the summer. Throughout college she was just as studious. Working jobs, taking many hard classes, I think she was in yet another club, studying for the GRE for grad school, and somehow finding time to volunteer at the pet shelter! Even now, she is a well-respected individual among all her peers as she finishes up in grad school to become a PA. Yoli has the respect of the doctors she worked for as an MA, her friends, her family, and me. Yoli is one of the smartest, hard working, driven people I have ever met. She is also creative, loving, nurturing, fierce, a great dancer (which is a shame because I am not), literally hilarious, and kinda really hot🔥. She inspires me everyday to be my best self and strive to be better and smarter than the day before. She has the biggest smile you'll ever see, and dances when she eats good food. She is a forever learner, a scholar, and very possibly loves our dog Anakin (yes, like in Star Wars) x100 times more than she loves me. Soon I will be able to call her mine forever.