Three weeks into dating and already saying goodbye for the summer. It was a period of many hours-long phone calls and texting to make the days apart bearable. (Also the first half-decent photo of the pair taken).

The first summer of long distance consisted of Mary calling Matthew at his 9-5 while he worked and them talking about everything under the sun for hours. Never tiring of each other's company, they made the summer fly by spending it together whenever possible. In June this consisted of Mary being in Ireland and staying up to 2 in the morning many nights because of the time difference, and they wouldn't change a thing.

Despite being on the same campus and only half a mile away from one another, we still had to call sometimes!

One of our favorite activities is hiking and this was one such event, a trip up to a waterfall in NC that was well worth the view--despite the fifty-five flights worth of stairs

One of our favorite waterfalls we climbed to reach this past year! (Before Matthew's Yosemite visit, of course)

Spring Formal at a beautiful country ranch beside a lake with Matthew's two left feet and Mary's natural-born grace.

A beautiful symphony night attended as part of being in the Honors College at Belmont Abbey, traditionally followed by IHOP with many friends.

A phenomenal surprise trip to Georgia Aquarium with Mary's best friend and bridesmaid Megan to celebrate Mary finishing her second thesis on the Cell Cycle.

A trip to Isle of Palms Beach, SC, with friends. Snacks, swimming, and sands!

Mary's graduation with a Bachelor's of Science in Biology from Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina.

Another summer of distance with Matthew traveling in Ireland came to a beautiful temporary end when Mary got to visit Austin, TX and play with Adaline in the mornings, try Mr. Ratcliff's amazing cuisine, battle Blaze in Nerf, and try the long-proclaimed famous Round Rock donuts. It was an absolutely marvelous week of visiting his wonderful family and meeting his world-renowned "Friday night poker guys".

Back to being hundreds of miles apart, here is a snapshot of one of the many serenading sessions where Matthew makes Mary's heart burst due to his unmatched musical talent. His classic set list of late has been, Flight of the Concords, Willie Nelson, and Tyler Childers but he does take requests...

Reunited again in the fall for Matthew's last year of school! This photo features Mary's first time giving Matthew a haircut and he remained 1) alive 2) with his ears intact and 3) with $30 in his pocket

We brought back the hikes in the fall semester to reacclimate to strenuous climbs for the sake of Haribos!

Mary's 23rd birthday - Matthew had a week previously surprised her with friends and her favorite cakes then day of accompanied her in the morning on her drive to SC and back and after Mary got off work at 9 pm had her sit back and relax while he made her favorite meal.

Mary surprises Matthew with a John Mayer concert in Charlotte--a marvelous time was had, but perhaps the most hilarious aspect was that after Mary had made a few too many jabs at an opening act she realized she actually knew his songs (and had them on her playlist...)

Matthew faked her out again with another hike. Blissfully unaware and looking at the view, Mary turned around to find Matthew on his knee. After a few moments of excruciating suspense for Matthew, Mary took pity and said yes!!!

Happiest day in memory

Another one because it was pure bliss - and this is Matthew's favorite photo (:

A Texas Thanksgiving trip turned Christmas capital celebration with Matthew's family led them to Grapevine with his Granny right before heading back to NC.

Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite CA, a fitting way to ring in a year of church bells and matrimony!

A Christmas visit to Mary's family in CA, where lifelong friendships betwixt Mary's siblings and Matthew were reinforced and many childhood stories imparted, sometimes to Mary's chagrin. Late nights, board games, and never more than a few hours of sleep were the theme and it was stupendous!

Two people on cloud nine after booking their wedding date! We cannot wait to see you in July! :)