Matt and Taryn matched on a dating app in July 2021. Matt recognized Taryn from their time at Rhodes together and Taryn swiped right after texting her old track teammates in his pictures to ask about him. (They all agreed Kim would be the best mother in law.) Taryn quickly asked Matt if he wanted to meet for a drink so Matt rearranged his travel plans to get back to Memphis. Unfortunately during Taryn’s first week back in the office, she was exposed to COVID and had to cancel their first date. Fearful he would miss his chance, Matt pivoted and suggested a virtual date. He dropped off dinner and flowers on Taryn’s front porch and Taryn left some wine outside for him. COVID couldn’t keep these two apart. Whether they were sweating through outdoor distanced dates, cooking together, or walking Cola on the Greenline, Matt and Taryn’s love for each other and appreciation for their shared values grew.

After 22 joy-filled months dating, Matt started secretly making plans to propose to Taryn. This proved to be too exciting for Matt to contain and he told everyone he could, including Taryn! Together, Taryn and Matt designed an engagement ring using diamonds from the Burgess and Schroeder side. (Thank you Grandma B and Granny Janny!) The design came together slower than Matt could handle, so he purchased another ring to propose with. But, this ring too would not arrive in time. Armed with a family heirloom of his own, Matt enlisted Taryn’s brother, Davis, and sister in law, Rebecca, to help facilitate the proposal. They were in town visiting for the weekend and Matt planned an early morning breakfast that they would be late to, so Matt could take Taryn on a romantic walk on the Greenline. However, Taryn being the planner she is, tried to rearrange the romantic walk that doubled as her surprise engagement. After much convincing, Taryn left the house with Matt, and proceeded to power walk toward the restaurant. Upon reaching the Greenline, Taryn was persuaded to take the scenic route. 30 feet behind her, Matt was fumbling with the ring his grandmother, Nonny, had given to him. Trying to get Taryn to slow down, he pointed out the beautiful flowers, to which Taryn shouted over her shoulder, they are hibiscus! Matt had no idea how to respond, his stomach was in knots so he decided to play into that… “Babe, my stomach hurts.” She stopped and turned around, and started walking towards him. Matt thought ‘Nailed it!’ So he kept the ruse going and as Taryn stepped closer to him, he dropped down to a knee and started hysterically crying. Words didn’t escape his mouth, but he held up the ring (the third ring that is). After many moments, Matt was finally able to speak and said “I had a whole speech planned! But will you marry me?!” Taryn said yes, and then supported her fiancé as he cried.