How We Met:

Once upon a swipe, Laura and Matthew crossed paths on a dating app, kicking off their adventure together! Laura was intrigued by Matthew's cheeky response to her request for a "good communicator." Matthew likes to tease Laura that she stood him up twice, but she'll only admit to one -- after a little too much fun at a friend's garden party.

First Impressions:

Their first date on June 6, 2019, wasn't the smoothest -- Laura was running late and then the restaurant she picked had a surprise closure to thanks to a fallen power line. But they didn't let that stop them! They both left feeling hopeful that maybe this could be something.

Memorable Moments:

One of their first adventures together was a Valentine's trip to NYC right before the world shut down in 2020. Somehow they made it through the pandemic without driving each other too crazy, and even managed to make it back to that first restaurant three years later! And in the past five years, they have created a life with lots of love, laughter, and adventure. Even Laura's dog, Wilson, is Team Matthew now.

The Proposal:

On December 16, 2023 Matthew invited Laura (and Wilson) on a romantic stroll at Baker Beach. Laura has never been good with surprises - she was immediately suspicious of a planned stroll on the beach, but Matthew did his best to surprise her. With sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and a few nude beachcombers, Matthew popped the question, and the rest is history. Their friends and family surprised them with a small celebration at their favorite local bar. Laura's best childhood friend, Molly, rallied the couple's friends and family from around the globe to make an engagement video wishing them lots of love and happiness in their future.

Looking Ahead:

Excited to celebrate their love with everyone, Laura and Matthew can't wait to start this new chapter together and live #happilyeverAven. Thank you for being part of their story!

Your presence on our special day is a wonderful gift. :) If you wish to give something more, we would be grateful for any contributions to our honeymoon fund. Thank you!