Matt and Livia grew up within an hour of each other but first met each other during their first week of college. Both attended the University of Minnesota Duluth as Freshman, in the Fall of 2016. They first crossed paths in Griggs E., Matt's dorm floor, whilst socializing with mutual friends. While their first impressions were memorable, the two remained just friends, before reconnecting 2.5 years later, as Juniors.

Matt first reached out to Livia via social media. The two made plans to meet at a tea shop. However, luck would have it the shop was closed that day. Rather than postponing this meet-cute, they chose to meet at the next best thing: a sushi restaurant. Neither wanted the night to end following dinner, so they found additional things to do- see a movie at the theater, walk around Canal Park, stroll around campus, etc. Their first date lasted 12 hours! Following Summer vacation, Matt and Livia reconnected at the start of their Senior school year.

To an activity which then became a staple in their social lives, their eyes met in early September 2019, while dancing at Duluth's Flame bar. This sighting rekindled their love, fueling what seemed to be a never-ending-hangout. Over the next 2 months, it felt as if they were not only falling in love, but becoming each other's best friend.

Holidays are for meeting the family- which was precisely their next step. Thanksgiving at the Koehler household lays scene to where Livia's mom, Leslie, inquired about the status of her relationship with Matt. Livia then posed this question, to which Matt then defined the relationship, aka asked her to be his girlfriend. This inquiry (along with Matt's head-over-heels adoration for her) began their journey of love. Livia, however, was the first to say I love you.

Not long after becoming official, the two were put to the test in early 2020. This year provided them ample opportunity to maneuver many changes and hardships, including: the onset of Covid, a 2-week Summer road trip through the Western United States (simultaneously enduring a broken down car the first night and renting a car for the remainder of the trip), switching to all virtual college courses, and ending their time at UMD with a virtual slideshow graduation ceremony. If you can make it through both a road trip mishap and a pandemic together, you can make it through most anything!

Following graduation in May 2021, Matt and Livia pondered a life outside of Minnesota, deciding to pick up and head West again, to Utah - this time permanently.

Leaving home and starting anew across the country was nerve-wracking and overwhelming at times. What kept them in good spirits was the love and admiration they shared for each other. Matt and Livia parent two adult rescue cats and feel sharing this responsibility and love for dependent animals reminds them of their promise to love and support each other.

While living in Utah, they take advantage of the state's diverse desert, mountainous, and forest landscapes. The two create memories traveling throughout Utah and the surrounding states. They have camped at Lake Powell, Zion, Tetons, Arches, and Yellowstone National Parks, visited friends in Denver, spent a few weekends in the Sin City, and hiked many trails. While Matt prefers the snowcapped mountains and Livia prefers the Fall-colored peaks, both continue falling deeper in love with Utah and with each other. Throughout the last 3.5 years living out West, Matt and Livia have built core memories, lasting friendships, and navigated a maturing relationship, as each other's best friend.

More recently in 2025, Matt and Livia sought bigger adventures. They began traveling internationally, celebrating Livia's birthday in Ireland over St. Patrick's Day and busing between Amsterdam and Paris in August. While their traveling luck has not improved (missed/cancelled flights, missed buses, one very long night in the Dublin airport), building these memories with one another has been an absolute joy.

After 6 years together, and many months of Livia's persistent inquisition, Matt finally asked the big question! Joined by their close friends, Rowan and Camryn, in May 2025, they traveled to the Bonneville Salt Flats for a day trip. Amidst the fast winds, overcast sky, and cold temperature, love persevered. Matt surprised Livia with a most unique and familial ring, asking her to marry him. After her emotions of joy, excitement, and disbelief subsided, she said yes! The two have since been blissfully planning their big day and are so excited to have their family and friends together to help celebrate their beginning of forever.