Yes, you guessed it! Our story was brought to life by the one and only, East Coast Christian Center Apprenticeship program. Matt was working at the church while Alexa was interested in learning more about ministry at the local church. Without knowing each other, they both joined the program and were constantly paired by their leaders to host services, create events for the young adult ministry and were asked to preach among 4 other students that same year. As they grew a deeper relationship with Jesus, Alexa noticed Matt more meaningfully when they were paired to preach at the Mezzanine together during the Superbowl in 2023. This was the first and last time in East Coast history that a non-married couple was asked to preach from the platform, so they felt honored to be asked in the first place. Although they didn’t know each other before, they quickly became acquainted as they worked on this project together.

After they preached together on February 12th, 2023, they were also asked to film a “couples-themed” promotional video on Valentines Day. They could not escape each other. With prayer and consideration on both ends, they decided to go on their first date the following month to do a Bible study at the beach. Their story began with nerves and uncertainty which led to them separating after just one date. Their friends were devastated, specifically Alexa’s roommates at the time, pleading her to consider Matt just one more time. God began to work in both of their lives individually, preparing their hearts to date again! In just three months they began dating again and have never looked back.

Matt began saving for Alexa’s engagement ring the same week they officially started dating. They were both very certain that God had blessed them with the person they would spend the rest of their life with. Since then their journey has been filled with some of the best moments of their lives. They have traveled around the world to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ together, enjoyed trips with their best friends in the mountains, ziplined in the woods, took many trips to ride roller coasters, and continued to be big dreamers of what God could do in them and through them as they step into marriage. They look forward to starting their lives for many generations of family to look back on and be encouraged by.

From the very beginning, you have been part of their journey, offering encouragement and support in more ways than they can count. They can’t imagine having come this far without their favorite people beside them. This celebration is not only about their love for each other but also a tribute to those who have stood by them along the way. Your presence here is no coincidence—you have played a meaningful role in their lives, and they are beyond grateful. They look forward to celebrating this special moment with you in the days ahead.