During winter of 2023, Kelsey caught Matthew's eye at Pleasant Valley Church where they both worship in Winona, MN. He continued to see her around and always thought she was cute... Both Matt and Kelsey were attending Winter Conference in February of 2023 at PV. The right moment to make a move fell into Matt's lap when Kelsey asked her dear friend Rachel if she knew how to play Wingspan. Unbeknownst to Kelsey, this was Matt's all time favorite board game. Rachel also happened to be Matt's best friend's wife, and Matt was also living with them at the time. Here the story begins...

Fast forward a few weeks - a game of Wingspan had been played and phone numbers exchanged... Matt, however, had committed to a month of living in Seattle. The timing felt unfortunate to Kelsey until a letter arrived in the mail from Matt, telling her how much he had enjoyed getting to know her so far. Due credit must be given to Will and Rachel for their encouragement to send the letter and to Matt's mom, Kristy, for supplying him with the card!! An official date was to be a part of their future upon Matt's arrival back in Winona!

Fast forward to Matt's return to Winona, several dates, and the couple making it 'official', it soon became time to part ways for a little while. Kelsey took off to Colorado to fulfill her commitment to work at camp for another summer. The first 3 months of the relationship were spent apart. This was Kelsey's view for their once-a-week phone calls throughout summer of 2023.

A post hike day pic of Kelsey with a letter from Matt... always a day brightener during her time in CO!

Eventually, the two were reunited in Winona where an abundance of memories have since been made :)

Fall Retreat at Camp Forest Springs

Fun pics at Garvin Heights (where Matt would later propose) with our friend Carly!

Hiking with wavy (the shark) during a very mild Winona winter

Countless at home dinner date nights

Hangin' with Rocky & Wren - the best way to end an early season day of climbing!

A very memorable 1 year anniversary backpacking trip to the Porkies in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan!

And another memorable trip, this time with friends! 90 miles complete on the Centennial Trail in the Black Hills of SD

Weddings!

Baseball!

Climbing!

Our most hardcore adventure...ask us about it sometime!

Eldorado Canyon, CO

Pickleball partners for life

A very special moment overlooking the city where we came to know and love each other so dearly!

And so much more that is yet to come!!! Praise God for His kindness. We can't thank you enough for impacting our lives and our story together.