So This Is Love

Where else do you really meet these days? Back in June 2021, when the pandemic had been newly over and life started going back to normal, Taylor decided one night, while sitting on the stationary bike in her Mom's house, to give the online dating one LAST try. Taylor proceeded to make not only a Hinge profile, but also a Bumble profile, and within 10 minutes, she received a "like" on Hinge from this dreamy guy named Matt. With a gasp at how handsome he was, Taylor quickly "liked" him back, and prayed he'd message her. Sure enough the next day, Matt said the classic "Hey, how are you?" From there, they also matched on Bumble, and planned their first date for June 25, 2021. Matt had asked to go to dinner at Park West Tavern in Ridgewood, and though Taylor agreed, she also suggested getting drinks first at The Office, with the plan to have her two friends Julia and Gina on speed dial if anything went awry. Luckily, it didn't :) As per usual, Taylor was a little late, and Matt sat waiting in the outdoor window at The Office... then, all of a sudden, he sees this big "white bus" driving by, with a girl smiling and waving at him...obviously it was Taylor! Not only did drinks go great, but dinner did as well, so well, that after both Taylor and Matt both scarfed down messy burgers at Park West, that Taylor awkwardly asked Matt if he knew what Shannon Rose was and if he wanted to go there the next night. And, the rest is history!

Anyone who knows Taylor personally for a long time knows how bad she wanted a corgi named Loki. She had corgi pictures on her wall at Marist, talked about and obsessed over corgis for years before she even had one. For someone who didn't have a corgi yet, she had a TON of corgi merchandise! She even told Matt on their first date, that her dream was to one day get a corgi, and name him Loki. Well, this dream came true on September 1, 2023 when little baby Loki was born. This pup didn't know it yet, but he had been a dream for a long time, and he was extra special because he shares a birthday with Taylor's late and great, Uncle Melvin. Taylor and Matt picked out little Loki on October 15, 2023, and took him home on October 26, 2023. He quickly became their little baby, and the center of their worlds. Not only is Loki playful, incredibly adorable, smart, and like a person, but he is also so lovable, friendly, and sweet. He is everything Taylor dreamed of, and what Matt never knew he always wanted!!! And he sure is the best corgi dad - and Loki loves him dearly. This special pup is of course the "Pup of Honor" and will be prancing down the aisle like the little Prince he is on our Wedding Day :) We love our Loki Dokey! Give him a follow on Instagram @corgi.named.loki - you won't regret it!

On Christmas Day in 2023, Matt surprised Taylor with a trip to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, a place she had always wanted to go. The trip was planned for February 28 - March 3, 2024. Upon arriving to Atlantis, of course the room wasn't ready, so Taylor and Matt had to get things out of our suitcases in the hallway and alternate changing in the bathrooms before storing our luggage. While Taylor went to change, Matt quickly went through his suitcase, and found the shoe he stuffed the ring box into, and moved it into his lockable drawstring bag he brought with him throughout the resort. Taylor came back nonthe wiser, and they went on their merry way to tour the property, go to the beach and pool, and walk the grounds. All day, both Taylor and Matt were on their toes - Taylor was consumed with mixed feelings of certainty and doubt based on Matt's actions, and Matt was freaking out with nerves, lol. The definitive clue though, was when Matt repeatedly told Taylor that she had to be ready by 5:00 PM once they got into the room, which wasn't until 4:00 PM... that's not enough time for getting ready!!! With the time crunch, Taylor quickly showered and with the possibility that something could be happening that night, attempted to curl her hair, and then straighten it, for which neither thing worked, which put her more into a tailspin thinking her look was ruined if they got any pictures taken. Meanwhile, Matt paced around the room, waiting. They left at 5:00 PM, and aimlessly walked around the resort property, wandering about while Matt squirmed on his phone because the photographer was running behind and he had to stall. They finally made their way across the island, and he led Taylor onto the beach by The Cove, where there stood a single palm tree. Thankfully, the photographer was there, but a little boy and his mom were in the background and wouldn't leave, so Matt had to stall more - never a dull moment! A few seconds went by, and then Matt brought Taylor closer to the palm tree and proposed right there, with the photographer capturing all the key moments. The weather couldn't be better, and the sunset couldn't have been more beautiful. It was for sure a night to remember, thanks to all of our family and friends who helped make everything happen!

We can't wait to say "I Do!"