In March of 2023, Matt was ready for a change and a promising career opportunity landed him in North Idaho. After many solo trips exploring the rivers and mountains of North Idaho and Western Montana, he desired community in his new home.

Meanwhile, Zoe was balancing life as a server and a full-time student at Boise State when her house flooded.

Deciding to move back home to Coeur d'Alene for the summer, Zoe found herself at Pearl & Tin as a florist and got to take on duties at the 5th Street Farmer's Market. It was there that she met Jordan Barnes, Matt's soon-to-be roommate, who had a stand right next to hers.

While searching for a roommate, Matt reached out to a friend of a friend, who knew a friend, named Jordan. Matt and Jordan bonded quickly over folk-style guitar sessions and their shared love of 'tallow-popcorn' movie nights.

Jordan saw a potential connection between Matt and Zoe right away, and soon enough, their paths would cross.

On November 5th, 2023, fate nudged them into a brief encounter at One Place Church. The following day, they found themselves spending more time together while cleaning up after Younglife Club. They quickly realized they had found something special in each other.

By December, Matt was offering Zoe his jacket at a Christmas party, and plans to see each other more frequently quickly followed. Coffee breaks at work turned into Mario Party game nights, and soon they were squeezing in double dates and cozy movie nights at the boy's apartment.

Their first official date at Radicci's ("Rincento's") sealed the deal, and the rest is history. They know it was all part of the Lord's plan. Matt and Zoe recognize that they wouldn't be here without His guidance and grace. As they look ahead to their wedding day, they are filled with gratitude and excitement to share their joy with their cherished family and friends. This day will not only celebrate their love story thus far but also mark the beginning of their journey together, guided by their faith and surrounded by the love and support of those who mean the world to them. They eagerly anticipate creating new memories and writing the next beautiful chapters of their lives together, knowing that every step has been guided by the Lord's loving hand.