Matt and Courtney’s story began in 2021 on Bumble, shortly after Matt had moved to Colorado and while Courtney was there attending graduate school. Their first date was a hike overlooking Red Rocks. What was meant to be a simple hike quickly turned into something more, talking for hours overlooking the mountains (yes, Matt talked for HOURS and maybe has never talked so much again). Neither of them wanted the evening to end and they both knew from the start that they'd met someone very special. Over time, what started as two separate paths gradually became one shared journey. Courtney and Matt quickly found many similarities. A love for Courtney's cat Kitten Harrington (eventually getting a second cat, Lucerne A.K.A. Lucy), similar aspirations and constant drive to experience new things. Both Matt and Courtney are from Michigan; Courtney from West Bloomfield and Matt from Hillsdale. They have a shared love for water and the outdoors. Swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, and spending time near the water being favorite childhood memories of theirs. While living in Colorado, they added even more adventures including hiking, camping, and snow skiing. Another major aspect of their life quickly became travel, traveling around the country to attend conferences, visit friends, and trips back to Michigan to be with family. Their travels have even brought them to Europe and South America. When they aren’t exploring outdoors or a new country, one of their favorite things to do is cook together at home, experimenting in the kitchen and enjoying a good meal. After Courtney graduated from graduate school, the two moved to Little Rock, Arkansas for her new job, beginning another chapter of their life. Not long after, Matt planned a special anniversary weekend trip to Petit Jean State Park. After a full day of hiking and a nice dinner, Matt took Courtney to a scenic overlook to watch the sunset. As the sky changed colors and the day came to an end, Matt got down on one knee and asked Courtney to marry him. She said yes, of course. Now they are incredibly excited to celebrate the next chapter of their lives together on August 29, 2026, at the Cherry Barn in Frankfort, Michigan. What they are most looking forward to is having all of the people they love gathered together in one place. Something that feels incredibly special and meaningful as they begin their life as husband and wife.