Matthew and I met freshman year at St. Dominic High School. We had mutual friends, but did not have any classes together and did not talk much. Sophomore year we began to have more classes together. Matthew was the class clown and was always making me laugh. We began to talk more and more in-person and via Snapchat. I caught feelings, but did not want to open up to Matthew, so I did what every girl does and told my closest friends! A few friends decided that the couple needed to happen, so they told Matthew that I liked him. Matthew did not believe them, but knew he felt the same. Finally, he got the courage and texted me his feelings. After a short three weeks, we began dating on May 31, 2016.

In high school, we would spend our weekends together going to movies, hanging out with our friends, and spending time with family. Junior year we were voted to be on homecoming court. I always went to Matthew's football games no matter where they were or what the weather was like. The high school memories are near and dear to our hearts as it was the beginning of our relationship.

Once we graduated high school, we spent as much time together throughout the summer before I left for Missouri State University in the fall as Matthew stayed home to go to Community College. It was hard to do long distance, but I ended up transferring to Mizzou and was much closer to home and was an easy drive away. We visited each other back and fourth from home to Columbia as much as possible before COVID-19 hit, then I was sent home. While COVID messed up a lot of things it did allow us to be together more. I graduated from Mizzou in 2022 and was officially moved home.

In 2022-2023 we began to save up to move out together. In February 2024, we bought our first house and moved in early March. We were so excited to start our life together. In April 2024, Matthew FINALLY asked me to marry him. We went to the St. Louis Zoo to see the Animals Aglow Lights with Abby, Patrick and William. I had no clue what the night had in store. We walked around to see everything and then began to take pictures. After a picture, I walked away from Matthew thinking that we were done taking pictures, but Matthew called my name and I turned around to see him on his knee with a ring in his hands. I immediately began to cry and was over the moon excited! I of course said yes! After that, we went to spend the weekend celebrating with family and friends.

Now, we have our first dog, Millie, who is a black lab. We are enjoying engaged life and look forward to the future we have together.