We're Getting Married!

Matthew and Melanie first crossed paths in middle school band. It wasn’t until high school drumline that their friendship really began to bloom. Melanie knew something was up when during a football game, out of nowhere, Matthew offered her a Chick-fil-A sandwich at halftime. This was big—Matthew never shared his food. From that moment on, she couldn’t help but notice him more. In September of 2016, at their first drumline competition in Roma, Texas, Matthew made a bold move. With a little poem and a lot of heart, he asked Melanie to be his girlfriend, opening with the line: “Your smile shines brighter than the top of Corcoran’s bald head.” (Their band director had quite the shiny head!) Melanie couldn’t help but laugh—and say yes. From that day forward, they were inseparable, even when life took them in different directions. They spent years navigating long distance—pursuing their careers in different cities, with one in graduate school and the other starting a new job—always finding ways to support each other through the highs and lows, no matter the distance. Finally, after years apart, they were ready to continue their lives together. When Melanie graduated with her master’s degree and returned home to Brownsville, Texas, Matthew was waiting—with a question that would begin their next chapter.

On August 9th, 2024, Matthew took Melanie on a sunset walk along the beach at South Padre Island. As they strolled along the shoreline, Matthew paused, took a deep breath, and got down on one knee. He asked his high school sweetheart, his best friend, and the love of his life to marry him. And without a doubt in her mind, she said yes.