Mariel and Matt were introduced by two of their best friends, Maddie and Nick Barnett, in October 2020. While the world was shut down, they still managed to make it out for a date, followed by many more date nights in. All it took was Matt’s cooking and bright blue eyes, alongside Mariel's warmth and playful sense of humor for them to say "I do."

Matt surprised Mariel with a proposal the day after her birthday, on April 16th. He spent months planning an entire day down to the tee. He organized a private event at the restaurant, Citron, where they went on their first Valentine's Day date. They consider it one of their favorite dates, hence why he brought her back there. It was one surprise after another; a few minutes after Matt got down on one knee to "Green Eyes" by Coldplay, their close friends and family came running up. Mariel's cousins even flew in from South Carolina to be there. They spent a few hours there celebrating with wine, hors d'oeuvres, and cake that Matt selected based on Mariel's favorites. Everyone later ended up at the restaurant, Hightopps, where they first met to keep the party going. Matt's thoughtfulness and attentiveness shined through and the engagement was a success. It will forever remain one of their happiest days.

Mariel and Matt are incredibly grateful to have such wonderful friends and family to help them celebrate on their special day. By their wedding day, they will have been together for nearly four years with many more beautiful ones ahead!