Matt often says they were like planets orbiting the same sun—always moving in close proximity, yet never quite colliding until the timing was just right. It was fortunate, too, because they each had some growing up to do on their own before they could fully meet.

They had known of each other since high school. Matt attended schools in Birmingham, while Nicole was in neighboring Bloomfield Hills. Both eventually found themselves at Grand Valley State University. Each of them made good friends separately, and over the years, a few of those friendships began to overlap. Their orbits seemed to be drawing nearer, though still not crossing paths, even when Nicole ended up as roommates with one of Matt's childhood friends in college. And yes, Matt found himself in her kitchen more than a few times back then.

So, where did it all begin? That would be October of 2020. Matt claims it was Nicole who messaged him first on Snapchat, commenting on a story he’d posted about a puppy he was watching for a friend. After that, they exchanged messages, and soon enough, Matt asked her on a date. December 2, 2020, became their first “official” date—a cozy night in Nicole’s living room, with her roommate Skyylar in the other room patiently waiting to hear how the date went.

That evening, Matt came over with a bottle of Wine and made dinner. They watched The Grinch and crafted Christmas ornaments together. By the third or fourth date, Matt got to flex his creative side and they were tie-dyeing sweatshirts, a project that left Nicole with a sweatshirt she still wears to this day. Somewhere along the way, she began to think, “Maybe there’s something to this mustached man" and the rest is history!