Our very first date took place in a tea shop at Marquette. We both got the Valentine special (passionfruit, raspberry tea with pomegranate pearls) and talked for hours. The immediate chemistry was undeniable, and it was something that both of us felt. We both knew that this feeling was different than anything else we had felt before, and that God had brought us together for a reason.

Our second date, Onesto in the Third Ward. Neither of us had ever heard of this place, but we decided to go and see what the hype was about. The food was just okay, but the vibes were, once again, spectacular. Continuing right where we left off, we were making jokes and laughing with each other as if we had been friends for a lifetime already.

The first time Bianey met Matt's dad. A spontaneous trip from Steve for the last home game of Matt's college years, Bianey was able to meet Steve (and he pronounced her name right on the first try!). Two of Matt's friends were also there (Kevin Buckley and John Lewis), and they got to meet Beeny as well. The couple finally took a picture together (see right), and the Golden Eagles (presumably) cruised to an easy win.

Matt got to meet Bianey's family after a few weeks of dating. He was quite nervous but he was welcomed with open arms. Ask him about the gift he gave me :)

Matt graduated (yay!) and moved back to St. Louis (lame). This was the start of the long distance portion of our relationship.

Matt would come visit as often as he could (not enough), and the two spent most of the time hanging with Bianey's family, especially her cousin, Victoria. These weekend trips were a mainstay of their relationship, providing much needed relief from the long distance.

Because this relationship was founded on art and poetry, the two always made time to go see art exhibits during the weekend trips when Matt would visit. This particular example was an immersive Monet exhibit, one of their favorite painters. Art continues to play a big role in their relationship, allowing them always to express themselves where regular words are inadequate.

Our relationship was built on the joy of creativity and artistic expression. This picture speaks for itself.

Our one year anniversary. Matt wasn't able to make it on the day of, but we were able to celebrate the following weekend. 8 months into the long distance part of their relationship, this anniversary was triumph in the face of people that didn't think it was going to work.

Beeny's first time in St. Louis. The whole family was able to come down for a few days and visit. We went to the zoo, did some shopping, had some yummy food. Beeny also got to meet some of Matt's family briefly at Ella's high school graduation party. The trip concluded with the whole group touching the Arch (to get its power, of course).

Long distance was not easy, but we always made time for visits. Those weekends we would spend together after months of not seeing each other would go by so fast, but we made the most of it, every time. No matter what we had going on, everything was paused so that we can enjoy being together for the time we had. This was our first time at the apple orchard.

Journaling has always been an activity that the couple has enjoyed. It is a way to catalogue important events or capture a particular emotion with a poem or a short story. They would often have journaling sessions and allow themselves to be creative and exercise their minds.

Matt's Surprise Birthday. Perfectly orchestrated by Bianey and her family, with the help of Matt's Mom. He had no idea, and the party was perfect. She even got his college friends that he hadn't seen in years to be there, which was special. It was his first ever surprise party, and it was truly a magical experience. The party absolutely made the gaslighting and lies told throughout the day worth it.

The weekend that the couple was finally reunited. Matt moved up to Milwaukee to be with Bianey, and the two have spent nearly every day together since. After two years of long distance, they were together at last, picking up where they left off in May of 2022. It was as if no time had passed, and the couple hit the ground running.

The day of our engagement. Matt planned the whole thing (with the help of Bianey's sister and Mom), and the day went perfectly. He proposed to her at Serenitea, the place where they had their first date, and the whole story came full circle. After the proposal, the two went to some open houses and pretended that they were going to buy them (one was nearly $2 million), then went and painted mugs. After that, Matt finally got revenge on Beeny for the surprise birthday party, and the party for the engagement caught her off guard. It was the most perfect day, and we are so glad that we get to share our bond with everyone and with God.