Matthew and I met when we were in our first year at Niagara College in Welland. We both lived on residence. I first saw him playing his guitar during an open mic on the main floor of the residence building. I listened in awe and admiration. I had no idea then that five months later we would be dating, five years later, our beautiful son would make his appearance, and seven years later we’d be awaiting our wedding day.

We first officially met in the common kitchen in our residence. Matthew was making pasta (of course). I took one look at him and immediately walked right back out, heading right back to my room. I figured I’d rather starve than face him. He came running out of the kitchen to stop me, saying that there was more than one stove and that I was welcome to join him. At this point, I was too embarrassed to keep walking away, so I figured it couldn’t hurt. I started making my macaroni and cheese at the stove furthest away from Matt. He was listening to music and asked me to pick a song from his phone. I did it, hoping he’d leave me alone after. Matt, ever so smoothly, asked “While you have my phone, why don’t you put your number in it?”

Amanda turned as red as a pepper when I, ever so casually, got her number. I purposely waited a few days to text her, but I guess she got anxious and messaged me first. We became good friends over the next few months. After a while, I finally asked Amanda to go on a date.

I surprised Amanda with flowers when I picked her up. I decided to take her to Niagara Falls; we walked Clifton Hill and ate dinner at the Hard Rock Café. We strolled through the Christmas lights and stopped at the fountain. I asked Amanda to be my girlfriend and on January 25th, 2012, we started dating.

In 2013, Matthew and I graduated from Niagara College in April. He moved back to Mississauga and I moved home to Sarnia and we decided to remain together and try dating long-distance. In September, I moved to Mississauga to live with Matthew and his family. We stayed for nine months before deciding to move out together with our dog Shadow.

On April 1, 2016 – April Fools, of all days, we found out we were expecting a baby! We were overjoyed and thrilled to share the news with our families. In May, we decided to make the move back to Matt’s parents’ house so we could prepare for our growing family.

I knew that one day I wanted to ask Amanda to marry me. I purchased a ring and waited for the perfect moment. I remember fishing at camp with my friends when I finally realized it. There wasn’t a second I wasn’t thinking about her and wanting her by my side. After the trip, I took the ring out of storage. I took Amanda out on her birthday. We went back to Niagara to our favourite restaurant, MT Bellies. Amanda and I walked to the fountain at the Falls where I originally asked her to be my girlfriend. I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. I specifically remember her replying, “No, no, no! Yes!”

Keep in mind that I was five months pregnant, we had been walking for what felt like all day, and I just wanted to go inside. I hate being the center of attention and so my initial reaction was “No!” - until I realized what was actually happening, and of course said yes. I was going to marry the love of my life!

On November 23, 2016, our little man was born and changed our lives for the better! We decided to hold off on wedding planning while raising Chase. We started wedding planning in January of 2018 and are now anxiously awaiting our big day.

We appreciate all the love and support from our family and friends and can’t wait to share this important day with you all!

With lots of love,

Amanda & Matthew

A&M