Sydney & Matthew are both native Chapel Hillians who grew up 10 minutes away from each other, but it took them 30-some years to finally meet. Both were uncertain of what to expect before their first in-person meeting on November 23, 2019, at Elmo's Diner in Carrboro over brunch, but they both came away with positive first impressions. The following week they met again for a fancier meal at Glasshalfull where their initial impressions grew into a long night of spirited stories, commonalities, and seemingly endless laughter. By the time they'd shut down the cocktail lounge they found themselves in after dinner and hugged goodnight to part ways for the evening, it was clear this was no ordinary connection, and both were excited to see how it would develop. Fast forward to February 2020, at which point they were going away for their first vacation together where they enjoyed a romantic Valentine's Day weekend at a mountain cabin on a picturesque horse farm outside of Asheville. It was a special time that allowed them to get to know each other even better and deepen their relationship. It stands out in both their memories as one of the last times things felt "normal" before COVID disturbed life as we all knew it in March 2020.   However, as time marched on and the outlook grew evermore uncertain, they continued finding safe places in each other's arms and acceptance in each other's hearts. It’s with this understanding that they felt they could continue growing in life and love together. Feeling resolute in never wanting their romance to end, Matthew proposed to Sydney over Labor Day Weekend on September 6, 2020, on a sun-drenched bluff at Stone Mountain. She said yes and from there, they agreed to embark on the adventure of a lifetime together as friends, lovers, and partners. Please accept this invitation to witness the joining of their individual stories as they begin their first chapter together as husband and wife.