We met on a Cru retreat to Myrtle Beach with a busload of other high schoolers. We hardly talked, but both noticed each other in the way shy 16 year-olds do when they first meet. We haven't been back, but that town holds a special place in our hearts because that's really where it all began.

We didn't fully know what love was, but it felt right even from the very beginning. What started in the halls of Carmel High School grew to be so much more than we could have ever dreamed of.

Courtney attended Butler University in Indianapolis and Matt went to Indiana University in Bloomington. Courtney studied to be a PA in order to pursue medicine and serve her community. Matt pursued his passions in history and ancient languages. They both spent some time studying and traveling in Europe, and their mutual fondness of Scotland has led to lots of dreams of going back together.

Despite the distance, they visited each other often, cherished their time together between sorority events and studying, and developed a deeper love.

Matt moved back to Carmel to live with his mom and work for his dad. Courtney moved to the big city and immediately started PA school.

Happy to finally be back in the same town, Matt and Courtney were able to begin dreaming about their real future together.

Matt moved to the Finger Lakes to go to grad school and Courtney jumped at the chance to live near him even though it's kind of in the middle of nowhere. She must really love him. :)

The lake is stunning and the wineries are incredible and we've been enjoying exploring our new surroundings!

We adopted the two sweetest cats in all of New York. They love to sleep on top of each other and chase around fake mice.

As Grandma Lois says, "Now that they have cats, it's time to get married."

A beautiful day spent together turned into the question of a lifetime at Courtney's favorite spot. Matt had to ask again because somehow no words came out the first time Courtney answered. Sometimes the best things in life take 9 years.

We feel so blessed to (finally!) prepare for the day we become husband and wife, and officially start our lives together. We are so thankful we have such wonderful family and friends who have loved us and prayed for us throughout the years. We are who we are now because of the life and time and love you've poured into us. We can't wait to celebrate this new chapter in our lives with all of you!