Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

Matt and I first met in church through mutual family friends sophomore year of high school. We talked for a short while, but then went our separate ways. It wasn't until senior year of high school when I asked Matt to help tutor me in Math. He said yes of course and we started meeting at the Starbucks in College Park every Wednesday at 7 pm. at first we only did what we went there to do - tutor. But, over time, we started to open up and talk about our week, school, friend drama, family stuff, etc. We became close friends - to the point where Matt was telling me about his little girlfriends and I was telling him my life stories.&nbsp;Then came prom season and I wasn't even sure if I was going to go. My mom sort of pushed me to go, but I had no one to go with. That day was a Wednesday so I saw Matt later that afternoon. Somehow I got the courage to ask him to prom and he said yes! (Yes I asked him!). He later asked me to his prom as well - so we both got the prom of our dreams.

How We First Met

I remember thinking, "If I want to move things forward, I have to ask her on a date....but I'm broke so what is there to do?" At that point I asked my parents for a few bucks just enough for dinner and a movie (cliche, I know). Once I got the money, I made the move and asked Gen out. I was scared out of my mind. Before that, we were best friends and I didn't want to ruin anything, but it didn't even matter in the end because she said yes! So there I was, driving to Gen's house, clean and dressed presentable ready to officially meet her mom and ask her blessing to take her daughter out tonight. That conversation lasted around 45 minutes....ok more like 5 minutes, but it felt like 45 minutes.&nbsp;I actually got permission! We drove to Columbia mall to watch a movie and eat at the cheesecake factory. I knew I had to order an appetizer to show her I wasn't cheap - so I ordered the factory nachos. For those that don't know, cheesecake is notorious for their large portions. I started eating a few chips and realized Gen wasn't eating any. So instead of embarrassing myself and looking fat, I stopped eating. Here comes our entrees, I got the meatloaf and Gen got a cheese pizza and salad combo. She's so cute. It was the best day of my life at the time.

Our First Date

So I've literally been planning the proposal for over 6 months and I knew I was going to do it on our summer trip with friends. Initially our trip was going to be on a cruise so I knew it was going to be perfect, but it later changed to a weeks trip to the Dominican Republic. It didn't matter, I knew it was beautiful there and I knew I was ready to make the best decision of my life. About 2 months before the trip, I went to Kay's to pick out the ring and customize it to the ring I know Gen would love. It had to be unique, pure, and eye-gazing.&nbsp;The next step was to ask for her parents blessing. I must have practiced my speech at least 6 times before meeting with them. We had dinner at their favorite spot, El Golfo and I told them nothing but the truth. That I love your daughter and I will make sure to give her the world, forever and ever. With that statement, of course I got a unanimous yes from both of them! Next up was traveling to DR with the ring in my possession without getting caught by Gen. Man did it take some strategy and back up plans - but I did it! Monday and Tuesday passed and Wednesday I met with the event coordinator at the resort that I had been talking to a couple weeks before. He helped me plan out how I was going to propose and to make sure everything was a success. Friday came and I told all our friends traveling with us.&nbsp;Everyone was so happy and excited for us that I wanted to just propose to her right after breakfast - but I had a plan and I stuck to it.The plan was to pretend like we were going to a restaurant on the beach that night around sunset. Little did Gen know, but I was already on the beach getting things set up with friends and the coordinator. Right at sunset, the most beautiful girl in the world stepped foot on the beach and started to approach me. I held her hands and looked into her eyes. All I saw was my best friend, my soulmate, and my future wife. I got down on one knee and I proposed. Now that day was the best day of my life...so far.

Genesis & Matthew

Genesis & Matthew

Registry