They first crossed paths in good ole Northfield, Vermont, at Norwich University. Alexa was playing hockey and studying athletic training, while Matt was playing baseball and studying nursing. It also happened to be the COVID year… so that explains a lot.

As fate would have it, Alexa got placed with baseball for her athletic training rotations. That’s where Matt made his move (or maybe just followed her around a little too much 😉). At the end of the year, Alexa headed back home to Minnesota, and Matt returned to New York. That summer, they spent hours on FaceTime and texting — all while Alexa’s younger brother, Cameron, teased her relentlessly about “this baseball guy.” Alexa’s response? “He’s just a good friend…” (Sure, Alexa.)

Fast forward to the next school year. Alexa was a senior, Matt a sophomore. They hadn’t talked in a while, until Matt suddenly reached out. From there, things picked back up. Alexa even begged Matt to take her to Reggie Ball — and Matt says that night was when he knew he wanted to ask Alexa to be his girlfriend.

By November, they were officially dating. Alexa was back on baseball rotations, and while they kept things professional, she definitely noticed Matt finding excuses to wander into the athletic training room a little more than necessary. Before long, Matt wasn’t just Alexa’s boyfriend. He spent most of his night's at Alexa's house eating the leftover dinners, watching movies, and being the girls therapist which led him to become an honorary member of the Iceberg (earning the nicknames Marty/Marvin).

When Alexa graduated, she returned to Minnesota while Matt still had two years left at Norwich. Alexa transferred to Minnesota State Mankato to play another year of hockey, while Matt continued baseball in Vermont. Despite the miles, they were always cheering each other on.

The following year, Alexa began coaching girls’ high school hockey while Matt finished up school. Long distance became their normal, with endless flights, road trips, and FaceTimes keeping them connected.

Today, Matt is now in Minnesota working as a nurse in the emergency department, while Alexa is in nursing school and coaching in Minnesota. Through years of long-distance, their love hasn’t faded — it’s only grown stronger.

And now, after all the miles and memories, they can’t wait to finally start the next chapter of their lives together. They are so excited to celebrate with all of you!