Hang on! Because how we met, became friends, and fell in love is the wildest ride! June 29, 2018, Toy Story Land opened the backyard to thousands of new toys. Matthew had worked all year as a Test & Adjust Cast Member and opened the new land in Disney's Hollywood Studios as an Opening Team Coordinator. I, on the other hand, had just graduated as a College Program Participant to Opening Team Cast Member. We first met on the stairwell at Slinky Dog Dash and soon I was asking him what his star sign was (which if you know me is a tell-tale sign that I like you). He invited me to meet his friends and I fell head over heels when he hit it off with my parents who were visiting me at Slinky Dog Dash. But, what really sealed the deal was us spending over 2 hours driving around Orlando just talking (I'll never forget finding his car cereal). We have been best friends ever since!

Our first date was something special and surprised both of us. We planned to spend the day together in St. Petersburg, which was an ambitious idea that truly sparked my interest. MK made a gesture that immediately told me I had met someone unique who would be an equal partner; she arrived with breakfast for us to start the day! An adventurous spirit with a boundless imagination and no shortage of ideas, she led us through town to fascinating shops and eateries, all while sharing the most delightful conversation and listening to music. When it came time to return home, I knew I had to match her energy. The first thing that came to mind to hold onto that day and keep it going was a movie, which played right into her love of film. I was relieved to find out that she was just as eager to keep the fun going as I was. From that day on, I knew I was hooked.

With the wilderness of The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina as our backdrop, Matthew planned to pop the question at the place where we took our first solo trip as a couple. Knowing I liked privacy and minimal surprises, he told me to dress nicely on our family day visiting The Biltmore Estate. After touring the house with my family, he took us to a private spot by the river where he gave me a note sealed in wax and a strange looking red and blue contraption with a brown box in it. The contraption with an old lock from Slinky Dog Dash, which he had been given years ago. He hollowed it out with the help of my brother-in-law and placed the ring box in the lock because we “just click together perfectly.” Barf. <3

I felt a remarkable sense of peace at the river's edge, just the two of us in the dreary autumn weather. The excitement was palpable, and the gravity of the moment made my heart pound, but I had never felt so sure of a choice. Wearing the trademark, beaming smile I had come to know and love, MK gave the answer I was desperate to hear: "yes!" We made our way back up the hill as the rain began to drizzle down, but nothing could dampen our spirits as her family came running out to greet us with a shower of love and joy. MK was positively glowing as we snapped some quick photos before the rain came down harder. It was a moment I hope to never forget!