If I had to choose a single moment that made me believe Matt is the one, it might just be one from February 18th.

We had just come back from visiting Cam and Faith in Missoula for the weekend. As we walked in the door, Matt told me he had something for me—just a little surprise. It was a new ring dish, the exact one I had broken earlier that week. This dish had a simple yet meaningful phrase on it: “It’s the little things.”

At that moment, I knew. Matt’s attention to those "little things" meant the world to me. I had mentioned, just in passing, how upset I was about breaking that dish, a gift from my mom back in high school. He not only listened, but he acted, surprising me with a new one as soon as he could. That’s when I realized that Matt would make an amazing husband one day. Life is truly about the little things. While we’ll share many big moments throughout our lives, it’s the small, everyday gestures that will fill most of our days and define our love.

His sweet gesture might have seemed like no big deal to him, but to me, it meant the world. It’s often said that love is in the details, and that’s something I’ve come to understand deeply with Matt. Knowing someone is "the one" isn’t always about a single, defining moment. Often, it’s the culmination of countless moments where you feel an unshakable sense of comfort, trust, and connection. With Matt, it’s the way I feel completely at ease, whether we’re in deep conversation or simply enjoying each other’s presence in silence. It’s the shared values and vision for the future, the mutual respect and admiration, and the feeling that together, we can navigate anything life throws our way. Being with him feels like being home, no matter where we are.

Of course, it’s not just this moment that made me certain Matt is the one. His deep love for the Lord is my favorite thing about him, and it influences every part of who he is. Friends and family who meet Matt for the first time always comment on his kindness and calm demeanor. I can’t wait to see the way he’ll lead our family with that same grace. His patience, in particular, is something I admire deeply—it’s the kind of patience that makes me excited to see him as a father one day. I know he’ll be the type of dad who listens intently, teaches gently, and loves unconditionally, creating a home filled with warmth and understanding.

From the very beginning, I felt embraced by Matt’s world. The weekend he asked me to be his girlfriend, he brought me to Missoula to meet Cameron and Faith. At breakfast, Cam told me how I was an answer to their prayers and how excited they were that I was there. Two months later, when I met the rest of Matt’s family, I was met with the same warmth and acceptance. To know that his community had been praying for him to meet “a great girl,” and that Matt had told them I was that person, was one of the sweetest, most encouraging things I’ve ever experienced.

My love for Matt grows every day. He is my best friend, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him. Here’s to more game nights, camping trips, ice cream dates, guitar serenades, garden parties, fly fishing lessons, and a million other memories to come. I love you, Matt!

And as I look forward to our future together, I’m equally excited to welcome Matt’s family and friends into my life as my own. The love and support they’ve shown me already makes me feel so blessed to have them by our side on this journey. I can’t wait to build new memories with all of them as part of our growing family.

(Pictured: The ring dish)

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