After chatting online for a few days during the middle of the pandemic, we finally made plans to meet up in October 2020. Sharing a mutual love of Halloween and missing the traditional bar scene during the lockdown, we decided to meet (in full costume) for our very first date at a fun outdoor bar called Hook Hall in Washington, DC, for a few drinks. Christina dressed as Captain Hook, complete with a big hat and red wool coat, while Matt dressed as the Grim Reaper in a full black cloak and black gloves! Trust us, it takes courage to dress up in a costume for a first date, but we both had an amazing time and chatted for hours!

Christina loves Scotch whisky, and Matt knows that! Their second date was at Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, DC, which has the largest collection of whisky in the Western Hemisphere, so Matt knew it had to play a part in his grand plan. After buying the ring he hoped she would love, the plan finally came together on July 22, 2023. Christina's sister, Grace, gave them a good reason to travel into DC that day, as Christina wanted to take her to Jack Rose—where, unbeknownst to her, Matt's family was waiting with Christina's father, Paul. As we came up the stairs to the rooftop patio (where everyone was waiting), Christina was properly surprised (trust us, we have the video) and not prepared at all for the night to come. After an exhilarating "YES" response, we had a family dinner, and later in the night, friends of the newly engaged couple arrived to celebrate with delicious drinks and gorgeous photos!