Matthew and I met working at a restaurant, Last Chance Pub and Cider Mill. There, we built a friendship with a candy currency and late-night talks. Things moved pretty quickly, and it didn't take very long for Mia and me to adopt Matthew as the new and final man in our lives. A year together in Montana then off we went on our first adventure to Rochester, MN.

Minnesota was filled with corn, mosquitos, and good times! We made some truly amazing friends, and both excelled in our careers. We started our fun with travelling up to the twin cities to cheer on the Vikings, SKOL! Visiting the fam up North and all while settling into a new place. Then covid hit. This definitely put a damper on moving to a new city. Also, being confined to a small apartment can really challenge your patience. Our first apartment together I might add! Thankfully we survived, graduated to a larger home and made it outside as the world slowly opened back up again.

One of my favorite qualities about Matthew is the way he always makes it a point to celebrate things, no matter how big or small. Dinner and wine after my first day as an RN. Popping a bottle of champagne at each new place we live, even half year anniversaries. We both loved celebrating each other's wins. We live pretty active lives and always seems to be up to something. Finding live music, Christmas lights, a new restaurant, or whatever current board game obsession we were on. Hosting parties for our friends with amazing charcuterie spreads. Including our friends in happy moments is something we both love. We also have gotten to do quite a bit of travelling these last few years. Researching and scheduling all of the details was my job, one I happily assumed. I learned quickly that you cannot put Matthew on too tight of a schedule and had to let him choose at least some of the activities. Trips to Lake Superior North Shore, fancy dinner and hotels in most cities we visit, going all out with 4-5 course meals, bottles of wine, and snowboarding in Aspen.

Colorado is a mutual favorite trip. Snow Mass Moutain in Aspen is where Matthew proposed. Midday with a blue bird sky and killer snow. It was the most nervous I had ever seen him, and for the first time he stumbled through his words. Matthew telling me I was his best friend is one of my happiest memories. Obviously, I said yes because here we are. Matthew put the ring on my finger and immediately said "Don't lose it, it's not insured yet." So off it went and back into the box for most of the day.

A two-year engagement included several moves. Back to Montana we came, thinking this is where it is going to happen. Settle down in Billings, get married, make babies. The American dream. Although thrilled to reconnect with old friends and new job prospects, we learned that this story wasn't ours. We have outgrown Montana for now, things change. Thankfully, we have always encouraged each other's dreams and the idea that we can have it all. Strong careers in a beautiful place that has lakes, ski resorts, golf courses and quality restaurants. Hobbies are very important to us both. A home we can call ours is very important too. It is sad to say goodbye to friends each move, but worth it to include them in our journey whenever we can.

So, thank you for following us along our journey and helping us celebrate our love this coming January, where we never have to be without our best friend again.

Registry

Thank you for contributing to our future together as the Knowlen's.