We first met in seventh-grade geography class where we were doing an assignment describing where we live and my first ever words to Sasha were "I know where you live!", and from then on we only got closer and closer until we eventually went on our first date to the zoo ... but things fizzled out after that for awhile. Then miraculously we were placed in AP chemistry together where the chemistry was amazing (with Sasha, not the class). Then She asked me to homecoming where I said to wait because I had something big planned, and I asked her the next day (Pictured Below)! We then began officially dating the night of homecoming on October 29th, 2017, when we both asked each other to be our boy/girlfriend in the parking lot of the McDonalds on North Wickham over a dinner of chicken nuggets on the center console of my car. From there dated all of high school and decided to date through college. On April 16th, 2022 I finally asked Sasha to marry me on the top of Kennesaw Mountain in Georgia the morning of my confirmation. Sasha has been the brightest light in my life and my number one fan since I have known her, always having my back and being there when I need her. She has helped me grow and mature as a man and a Christian throughout our time dating. I am excited for the rest of my life with her and cannot wait to begin this new chapter of our lives. - Matthew

Matthew and I first crossed paths in 7th-grade world geography class, where his loud and funny personality immediately caught my attention, making the intimidating start to middle school much more enjoyable. As our friendship grew throughout middle school and half of high school, it wasn't until 10th grade that we took a leap into romance with our first date at the Brevard Zoo—complete with a memorable comment about fitting into the zoo train. Our dating adventures continued, with our favorite being boba in the Aves, and it all became official in the parking lot of McDonald’s over a 10-piece McNugget. Over the next two years of high school, our relationship blossomed. Despite the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship during college, especially during stressful exams, our reunions were always worth it. One particularly special reunion during Easter weekend of our Junior year involved a foggy morning atop Kennesaw Mountain. Matthew, very eagerly, took me to the summit, promising a beautiful view of the Atlanta skyline. Despite the mist obscuring the city view, the image of Matthew on one knee asking me to be his wife was a perfectly beautiful moment. Matthew is my beacon of laughter and warmth in my life. His infectious humor has been a constant companion since our early days, and his steadfast presence through the highs and lows of my journey has anchored our love. I am looking forward to continuing writing the story of us as husband and wife.