We’re getting married!

Matt was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona by his parents Stephanie and Steve alongside his two siblings. He has a beautiful daughter, Charlee, who will turn 9 this July. Over the past three years, Matt has grown in his personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and both he and Shelby attend Shepherd’s House Bible Church in Chandler, Arizona. His favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 6:8, which says, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Matt is currently a Construction Superintendent, and in his free time enjoys yoga, hiking, and spending time with his family. And if you're ever in need of a snack, don't be surprised if he pulls out his signature stash: Mott's fruit snacks, Rice Krispies Treats, and Dots pretzels. Shelby grew up in Woodinville, Washington, where she was raised by her parents, Dan and Julie, alongside her sister Shaelyn. While Shelby's faith began at a young age, it wasn’t until high school that she formed a deeper, more personal relationship with Christ. In 2020, Shelby moved to Arizona, and works full-time as a Marketing Manager for a skincare company, and as her passion has been teaching Pilates for the past two years. Along with her and Matt’s shared interests, Shelby enjoys golfing, traveling to visit loved ones, and a good local coffee shop. Matt and Shelby’s first date was a coffee date, which almost didn’t happen because Matt went to the wrong place and ended up being late. When he did show up, he saw Shelby from across the parking lot and knew that she was the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen in his entire life. She emulated a radiance and beauty he didn’t think was possible for any one person to have. Because of that, he was so nervous and thought the date went so poorly that he would never get a second date, but by the grace of God he did. Before the end of the second date he knew that he was falling in love with her. He could tell immediately that Shelby was the most Godly woman he would ever meet. On their second date at the Desert Botanical Garden, Shelby’s heart skipped a beat when she saw Matt step out of his truck in his cowboy boots. They quickly discovered how much they had in common—from their favorite music artists to their love of hiking and yoga. Matt’s kindness, intentionality, chivarly, and deep faith left an impression on Shelby. He truly embodied the qualities of a strong, loving man—and she couldn't help but be drawn to him. On their third date, they went to church, hiked together, and ended the date singing karaoke in Matt’s truck, not wanting the date to end. Since then, they’ve spent every moment they can together, growing closer in love and faith. For Matt and Shelby, marriage is a divine calling. They both believe God has brought them together, predestining them to be partners in life, love, and family. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Together, Matt and Shelby believe they are each other’s perfect match, embodying the qualities of a loving spouse, devoted parent, and faithful partner. They are beyond excited to begin this new chapter of their lives as husband and wife, hand in hand, with God at the center of it all.