Matt and Celeste come from different backgrounds, Matt being born and raised in Alabama, joining the fire department, then deciding to join the military. Celeste being born into a military family, raised all over the world, going to college at Auburn University, and living in Auburn working. On a whim both decided to download Tinder just for fun and did not realize it would end in a relationship. They came across their profiles and Celeste was hesitant, but decided to swipe anyway, however, not once did she realize he had advertised he was in the military which she generally did not swipe on any guy in the military.

They began talking which led to Celeste asking for his snapchat, from there they snapped each other almost everyday, with one of the first pictures Celeste received was that of Matt post wisdom teeth removal. Matt decided to take things further by asking for her phone number and planning a date. Their first date happened on March 30, 2024 when Matt decided after spending Easter with family and friends in Birmingham to come to Auburn on his way back to Columbus, GA. Both were nervous, but Matt more so since Celeste asked for him to meet at Toomer's Corner, he waited until she walked from her apartment downtown over, unsure if she actually would come or not. From there they walked around downtown and the campus getting to know each other, Matt then asked if she knew of anywhere good to eat so of course Celeste had to take him to Niffer's for some corn nuggets and a fish bowl.

After that first date, Matt just knew she was different and needed to get to know her more. They spent almost every weekend going on dates, hanging out in auburn with Celeste's dog Sky and getting to know each other until May 6, 2024 when Matt decided to ask Celeste to be his girlfriend which he never thought he would do.

Celeste never thought she would end up dating someone in the military after being raised as an army brat, but Matt was different. He never really like drawing attention to being in the military but would let it be known he was. The two are much different but very much alike, they would rather spend time at home watching movies and hanging out with their furry "kids" than going out, but Matt is more reserved than Celeste, maybe it has something to do with her having 3 older brothers, but boy did Matt not realize what he was getting himself into.

The two kept things very traditional when it came to their relationship, with Matt even talking to Celeste's father without her realizing on their trip back to RVA for thanksgiving about marriage. Anyone that knows the Johnson family will tell you that they are very protective of the family but will crack jokes, with Jeff saying you sure you want to marry her there's no take backs or returns. Matt was dead set though and knew she was the one. He even got her family and friends involved along with his when it came to the proposal.

Fast forward to February 1, 2025, Matt was dead set on proposing to Celeste before leaving for TDY to MN for a couple of months. Matt always thought he kept it under wraps, but of course Celeste almost ruined the surprise by almost giving it away when she asked why one her friends wanted to hangout and get nails done and said to wear something nice, instead of her usual comfy clothes. Matt played it off by saying he did not know but was going to gym, Celeste questioned again when Matt was leaving the house with a bag, which he never did, he did well by playing that off saying he was meeting up with friends and was leaving straight from the gym. Celeste questioned the events of the day as her friend went with her to get nails done and they went to Hay Day to watch the basketball game. Matt was super nervous and took the edge off with a drink at 1716 before Celeste kept saying to come to Hay Day to watch the game. After Auburn won the game they made their way to Toomer's to roll the trees, Matt was tempted to pop down on one knee there but Celeste's friend told him don't because she is one that does not like attention drawn to them. They began walking to where Matt originally was going to do it on Samford Hall's stairs but their mutual friend decided to climb the pine tree and be a bird, which worked to Matt's advantage to distract Celeste and he could not hold back anymore and popped down on one knee and nervously said Celeste to which she turned and did not give him a chance to finish his prepared speech before saying YES!

So for those that think Tinder is just for hook ups, Matt and Celeste's story is a testament that you can truly find your person and a happily ever after.