Jessica’s face was the third that Matt saw upon the door of her dorm room opening in August 2013. The first was that of her roommate, and the second was of Legolas the elf on Jessica’s Lord of the Rings poster. As part of an orientation activity in their dorm building, the members of Matt’s boys hall were to knock on the door of a room in the girls hall on the same floor to escort them to an orientation mixer. Whether it was fate or luck, Matt knocked on Yates 238 and met Jessica. Her roommate had even lost her voice with all the orientation activities, leaving Matt and Jessica to do most of the talking that afternoon. Matt and Jessica spent the rest of their freshman year becoming close friends. Through mind-numbingly boring Introduction to Philosophy classes (which Jessica claims she took because of the general education requirement, but everyone knows it was because Matt was signed up to take it), late night adventures with friends around campus, handwritten letters over winter break, sorority formals, and bonding over some of their favorite kids’ shows (shout out to Keenan & Kel and Pokémon), the two grew ever closer together. It was difficult to say goodbye for summer break, with Jessica staying on campus for research and classes, and Matt was returning to New Jersey. It was bittersweet, and both spent the summer texting, Skyping, and thinking of each other.

Spending Summer 2014 apart, absence made the heart grow stronger and proved just what Matt and Jessica needed to get their acts together and make it official. After spending the last 9 months in love with one another but decidedly just friends, they decided to give "us" a try. While a 90-year old dorm room might not have been the most romantic setting for their DTR, nothing could diminish the magic of the moment and the pull they felt towards each other. They still remember this day, because it was one of the smartest decisions they have ever made.

Two interstate moves, four degrees, and one (very cute) puppy later, and Matt and Jessica got engaged! Matt took Jessica to her self-proclaimed happy place: Wildwood, New Jersey. At the end of a perfect long weekend of relaxing on the beach, visiting the local wineries and breweries, parasailing, and boardwalk fun, Matt brought Jessica down to the shoreline of the beach. The two were running late for Matt's timeline as Jessica insisted on playing one last round of their favorite arcade game, just to end up winning the jackpot and waiting 15 minutes for all of the prize tickets to print out. Matt had a plan that included his wonderful aunt/Godmother Marie sneaking around the beach with a camera to capture the moment, and he did not want to miss the sunset! Unfortunately Jessica's arcade skills were too good and they missed the sun set, but the best part of the evening was yet to come. Amidst the candlelight, Jessica bawled through Matt's entire proposal before managing to squeeze out a "yes!"