Matthew and Sydney love aimlessly wandering throughout grocery stores. It only seemed fitting that their first date would be grocery shopping for Matthew's brand new apartment for his first summer internship in Cedar Rapids, IA. Matthew was a klutz and dropped item upon item out of his basket, while Sydney was way too overdressed for the occasion. At that point, Sydney was wondering what she was even doing on a date; she didn't want to go in the first place. Matthew thought he would never see her again, but for some reason, whether it was fate or destiny, Sydney had to see him the next day. They ended up spending nearly every day together for the rest of the summer. They survived their first year of long-distance while Sydney was studying at Drake University and Matthew was studying at University of Northern Iowa. After many troubles and triumphs, they made it! Matthew gave Sydney a promise ring around Valentine's Day 2018, vowing to love her forever and do whatever he can to ensure they could spend the rest of their lives together. They had already discussed marriage many times... And for some reason, Matthew wasn't scared off. Matthew proposed to Sydney on August 1, 2021 surrounded by their friends and family. And on June 3, 2022 (their fifth anniversary), they will become Mr. and Mrs. Zilley! #ZilleyEverAfter

After months of not-so-sneakily hiding the ring box around the house for Sydney to inevitably find, Matthew had to give her SOME sort of clue on when he was going to pop the question. He kept saying "it's coming soon" or "when the weather gets warm" and a bunch of other nondescript, frustrating answers. Sydney was audibly angry at her sister (and maid of honor) for making her go dress shopping for what she thought was Lainey's college send-off party the next day. Lainey said they had to get coordinating outfits for pictures, when Sydney would rather wear biker shorts, an oversized tee and Nike's. The party day comes and Sydney is annoying Matthew the whole way to Edith Lucielle's (their favorite dive bar and restaurant) with strange accents and he's super nervous. Sydney is so confused why Matthew gets out of the car, grabs her hand and starts walking her over. She's independent, gosh darn it! She squints and sees some of her younger siblings rushing over and looks up to see her grandpa in his usual America Needs Farmers hat...A dead giveaway that something was up because she didn't expect her whole family to be there. Matthew walks Sydney over to this beautiful backdrop covered in florals. Sydney visibly panics, because she tried out a new eyeshadow look and its not the best. Matthew prepared a beautiful speech as romantic music played in the background, got down on one knee and asked Sydney to spend the rest of her life with him. She said yes!