Even though Matt lived across the street from and was close to some of Iz's rowing teammates and best friends for years, they didn't meet until they were both at a birthday party the summer before starting their senior year at WPI. They got to know each other over a competitive game of Chardee MacDennis, the game of games, from the TV show "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." They went on their first date to Matt's favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Worcester, Mare e Monti, which they return to every year on their anniversary! One date turned into two, which turned into Matt quickly understanding how regattas work while sitting on the shoreline of Lake Quinsigamond, and Iz learning about what makes Manchester United the greatest soccer team on Earth. Though their music tastes don't overlap much, they love to go to concerts together, play board games from Matt's extensive collection, spend time with their three cats-Hamburger, Fry, and Dill-enjoy nights at Gillette Stadium cheering on the New England Revolution, and make each other laugh. Matt proposed to Iz on June 5, 2025 during a trip to Cape Cod after spending nearly three years together. This moment was made all the more special as the diamond in her ring is the same diamond that was in her grandmother, Carol Nearing's ring. Matt and Iz are so excited to embark on the adventure of a lifetime knowing they have each other and the love and support of all their family and friends!