We're married and now it's finally time to celebrate!

We first met at Matt's brother in law, Lenny's, house where Kaitlyn went to meet his pet micro pig. Yes, a pig. Lenny and Matt's sister, Crystal, insisted we should meet each other, later bringing Matt over. Kaitlyn knew from when she saw him, he was going to be her's one way or another! Within the next week, we went bowling as a group and started texting each other after Matt asked around for Kaitlyn's number. Days later, Lenny hosted a party at his house inviting both of us, and the rest is history. Kaitlyn and Matt were inseparable at this party and from that day on would not stop seeing each other. We sort of assumed we were dating/together so we never had a true anniversary date, just would celebrate mid-October. They were only 18 and wildly in love, having no idea what the future would hold for each other...

Matt finally decided to pop the question and spent months planning, he wanted it to be special and everything Kaitlyn would've wanted. On November 26, 2022, just after celebrating 6 years together, Kaitlyn got ready for what she thought was her Godsister's "Winter Wonderland, all-white themed" Birthday Party, but actually was their proposal and engagement party! Matt secretly planned a party with our closest family and friends to witness the proposal and immediately celebrate. We partied the night away and celebrated Kaitlyn finding her lobster!

Kaitlyn and Matt planned to get married in October 2024, but if you want to make God laugh... you tell him your plans. Kaitlyn's brother left on a year-long combat deployment in 2024 where she then decided she would wait for him and get married the following year. During this time, Matt and Kaitlyn grew much closer and stronger in their faith. During our journey, we were asked multiple times why we were waiting. Kaitlyn's women's group leader at church guided her to get married and later Matt's mens group leader guided him to get married. Stubbornly, Kaitlyn would decline. Until one day, in an IHOP, Kaitlyn had a breakthrough and finally heard from God after secretly battling with discernment.. God spoke to her and met her where she was after already touching Matt's heart to urge them to get married. After hearing this revelation, Kaitlyn realized she couldn't put anyone over their salvation and understood her obedience was being tested to do what God has called them to do. Kaitlyn went home that day, and they both made the decision to get married.. ASAP. We got married a week later (the soonest Kaitlyn had off work) at the Jersey City Waterfront overlooking the city in front of our parents and siblings.