Madison’s Version:
 
If I had one word to describe how I felt meeting john it would be “curious”. That may sound like a strange way to describe meeting your future husband but I’m a firm believer that all the best things in life are found through curiosity. For anyone that knows me, it’s not a surprise that I have previously prioritized my family, close friends, and personal growth over a romantic relationship. But with John, I was curious enough to not end things. I can’t put my finger on what exactly drew me to want to know John, it could’ve been his teacher jokes that were so bad you couldn’t help but laugh, or his gentle follow up between our busy schedules, but I chose to lean into my curiosity and intuition that he had a kind heart. And I’m so glad I did.
 
Although John and I have only been together for two years, I couldn’t be more confident in our future. Together we have navigated my two moves, John’s fathers move to Connecticut, a career transition for me, a career transition as well as a first season as head Men’s Soccer coach for John, training & completion of my first half marathon, and condo renovations. Through all of the twists and turns life has taken us on along the way John’s support, encouragement, and love for me has never wavered. Whether it is taking me to the beach at sunset after a hard day, accompanying me to a hot yoga class to clear my head, listening to me talk through ideas he is unfamiliar with while my work brain never fully shuts off, or dropping off my favorite sweet treat, John always finds a way to ease my worry and bring joy to any day.
 
I have learned, laughed, loved, and trusted so much with John. We encourage each other to try new things, take on new personal goals, and force each other to take a break when necessary (rarely, but it’s been done). As we prepare for our wedding, I truly couldn’t be more excited to bring our lives together and celebrate the love we’ve found with our family and friends.
 
See you at The Elia,
Madison
 
John’s Version:
 
I am just going to admit that we met online in early August. Madison was supposed to be a rebound but I never thought she would end up being my forever.
 
It started when I asked her to meet up with me after she had already stalked all of the social media sites and even made sure I was not lying about being a teacher in the county. After all was said and done we had a date planned to meet up during mid August. I was super excited to meet this girl who I had wonderful conversations with online. The weekend went by and as you would expect… I got stood up. She eventually reached out to me Sunday evening to apologize and told me she had a “crazy weekend” on the boat with her family and just could not make time for me.
 
Eventually, we finally met up almost a month later after we resumed conversations on September 1 down at the South End of Wrightsville Beach. I was coming straight from Physical Therapy and she had just finished a run. A memorable first date filled with sweat and laughs. When she first texted me she was “here” I saw a girl that resembled her walking by me and thought for a moment I was catfished. Madison eventually showed up and boy was I happy that she was the second girl and not the first. Afterward, I walked Madison to her car and gave her a hesitant hug (because we were both sweaty) and said goodbye. She texted when she got home and told me she enjoyed our time together.
 
A week went by and we met up again downtown at Hell’s Kitchen while I was drinking with one of my friends (and groomsman, Kris). When she arrived, Kris left and we walked around bar hopping until we finally went down to the water where I met a different Madison than the first one who seemed more calm and comfortable around me.. It was by the river we shared our first kiss and I thought to myself, “well this is progressing differently than I expected.” I walked her to the car once again and gave her a kiss goodbye.
 
The next couple weeks after we went on different dates to brunch, dinner, and walks I finally asked her to be my girlfriend in October. It was during Halloween weekend in 2021 that I met her friend group and realized that they are a fun group to be around. It was not until after an accidental drunken night on the Haunted Pub Tour I told her I loved her. Once that happened I realized I was in it to win it.
 
Over the next few months leading into 2022 I went from being as her dad called me “the boy” to “Madison’s boyfriend.” During 2022 I had made multiple promotions at school that she helped me every step of the way. Madison continued to support my family and I as my father transitioned back to Connecticut from his condo in North Carolina. It was during the year of 2022 we had our first vacation in Asheville together as well. The fall was a whirlwind with my first year head coaching the boys soccer team at Laney but having her support at the games and at home was truly inspiring me to be the best coach I could be.
 
Madison’s support continued through the girls soccer season, coming to as many games as she could until I finally had plans to pull the trigger on our future. During Spring Break we went to the Outer Banks where we experienced serene bliss. The Thursday evening of our vacation on April 13, 2023, I knelt on one knee and asked her to spend the rest of my life with me knowing that I have found the one person I never want to be without. I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together while taking on new challenges and adventures as Madison & John Matrisciano. I cannot wait to say ‘I do’ on 3/22.

Wedding Party