It was love at first swipe – well, kind of…

Matt first caught Alex's eye when the two attended Winston Churchill High School together. She'd admire him in the halls from afar, but it wasn't until 2016 that Matt would reciprocate a crush.

Matt went to visit Alex in Baltimore where she was attending Towson University to earn a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and political science. Matt would make the trip all the way from DC to see her, as he was attending American University for his bachelor’s degree in accounting. It was a long drive, but for Matt, heading onto 695 was worth it. After all, getting to spend time with Alex — even for a couple of hours — was priceless.

Their fling kicked off with Matt joining a girl’s night out at Alex’s local happy hour spot, On The Border. They knew they really enjoyed one another’s company and continued on for a few months but decided it was not the right time and place.

Fate and love work in strange ways, though, never faltering. Never failing. In 2018, she moved back to Arlington for her first big girl job. Matt was still living in D.C. and just started his new job, too. It was Matt who was eager for the two to reconnect, now that the circumstances were falling into place, but Alex was hesitant. Things didn't exactly end on a high note the last time they talked.

Matt refused to give up, though, staying persistent and steadfast when it came to what he wanted. He asked her to go to a hockey game with him, and Alex couldn't turn it down. The Capitals were playing the Rangers – both of their favorite teams as they watched the Caps beat the Rangers, Matt was able to win back Alex's heart.

After countless happy hours and hockey games, the rest is history…