Back in 2017, I reached out to Matt to hang out, we had mutual friends, I always thought he was a cutie (and I had a feeling he was crushin’). After some back and forth, we planned a dog walk at Riverbend Farm.

The morning of our first date, it was pouring rain, but right as it was time to meet, the sun came out. We were both a little shy, but I knew he was special when he let me give him a tarot reading and still wanted a second date. I don’t remember the whole reading, but I’ll never forget his “future” card: the Wheel of Fortune - symbolizing change and good fortune. Turns out, it was spot on.

We pretty much became inseparable after that first date. Not long after, we were meeting each other’s friends and family, and everything just felt easy.

One thing that stood out to me early on was how clearly Matt had been shaped by the strong women in his life. He was raised with respect, softness, and humor, and it showed in the way he showed up and treated others. I could see right away that he would be a good man, because he had learned from the best.

I’ll never forget the moment he told me I reminded him of his favorite aunt.. kind and quiet, but funny when you actually pay attention. That little comment stuck with me. People see me, but they don’t always take the time to listen. I get spoken over a lot, or assumed to be quiet just because I don’t fight to be heard. It was the first time I realized how closely he paid attention to the quiet parts of me. And in that moment, I knew he really saw me.

Summer 2017 was the summer we fell in love, and we didn't care about anything else.

Fast forward seven years: we were on a family vacation in Maine with my siblings and nephew. I had a feeling a proposal might be coming, but when I asked if I should pack anything special and Matt just said, “No, we’re just going to Maine,” I figured it wasn’t happening.

But on the night of the full moon (he knows I love the moon), during sunset, Matt quietly whispered to my sister Holly that he was about to propose. He brought me down to the dock at my family’s camp (a place that holds so much meaning for me) and poured his heart out. Unfortunately, I totally blacked out, but I remember him saying how much he wanted me to officially be part of his family. And of course, I said yes.

That night we celebrated with lobster, and later, under the moonlight, we went out to look at the stars, and saw a shooting star. You really can’t make this stuff up.

Over the 8 years of our relationship we've grown through so much. Different homes, job changes, the loss of loved ones and pets, and through it all, Matt has been my steady, unwavering rock.

He doesn’t run when things get hard. He stays grounded, even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. If you know Matt, you know you can count on him. He shows up every time without needing to be asked. He’s the first to lend a hand, the last to ask for credit, and one of the most quietly compassionate people I’ve ever met. I feel like the luckiest woman to share life with someone so loyal, hard-working, and full of love. I don’t think he realizes how big his heart really is.. but I certainly do.

E&M