In the summer of 2018, Amanda and Matt met while working for Naperville Kayak as a summer job. Throughout that summer they hung out in a small group with other people who worked for NK. They got to know each other during this time and at the end of the summer Matt asked Amanda on the first date.

At that time, Amanda was in a sling due to having shoulder surgery. Matt just so happened to choose to take Amanda to Dave & Busters. They played all the games left handed to keep it fair, but Amanda was more skilled with her non-dominant hand. Matt quickly realized how competitive Amanda is. A few weeks later they officially started dating.

Shortly after, Amanda returned to Augustana to start her junior year of college where she was majoring in Elementary Education. Meanwhile, Matt left for grad school attending Southern Illinois University -Edwardsville where he pursued a Master's in Exercise Kinesiology. At the time Amanda was playing D3 softball at Augustana and Matt was coaching track at Greenville University. They were both busy with school and athletics, which made traveling the 246 miles to see one another challenging. They managed to make the distance work during the school year, seeing each other about once a month only, and both returned to the Chicago suburbs for summer.

Both Amanda and Matt graduated during the heart of 2020, making finding jobs in the same area another obstacle. They thought that graduating would be the end of their long distance journey, but Covid changed that plan. The distance proved just how powerful love can be.

After three years, Matt and Amanda went on their first trip together to Arizona and Utah to visit The Grand Canyon and Zion National Park over spring break. One year later, they returned to Utah to visit Arches, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Zion National Parks. It was at Arches National Park on March 13, 2023 that Matt proposed to Amanda with a "better rock." As their adventure continues they cannot wait to explore more of this beautiful world.

Matt and Amanda look forward to starting their forever and are grateful to share their wedding day with you on August 2, 2024.

Wedding Day

Reception