Despite a population of over 20 million, anyone who has lived in the NYC area can tell you that finding a partner, let alone a forever partner, is no easy feat. With the summer heat rising, two singles were determined to meet that special someone. Little did they know fate was on their side to bring them together with a simple digital swipe. Matt and Meredith's love story began on an August evening pairing whiskey cocktails with decadent cheese at Beecher’s Cellar in Flat Iron, the halfway point between Hoboken and the Upper East Side.

Throughout their first date it was obvious the two had many similar interests. Over the city noise, time stood still as they talked about their love for snowboarding, running, the outdoors and traveling. It also helped they both had a certain love/hate relationship with New York that only a transplant resident would understand. What truly tipped the scale for date number two was the proximity to where the two grew up; Pennsylvania’s neighboring Bucks and Montgomery County, a stone’s throw from one another. Each knew similar names and faces, however their paths had never crossed prior to their first date.

As fall approached, the two never slowed down or skipped a beat from their first encounter. Every week they were making plans and exploring their passions together. For those who know Matt, they understand early Fall revolves around baseball. To truly test their compatibility, a September Phillies at Mets game was put on the calendar. With beers and hotdogs in hand, Meredith saw a new side to Matt. Quickly she fell in love with his exuberant cheering and heartfelt passion for the Phillies. This game became a highlight moment for their relationship, Meredith would go on to trade the Midnight Navy pinstripes of the Yankees for the red and white of the phillies. Fate again presents itself that night as the theme song from this game becomes what the two dance to as their first together as newlyweds.

The seasons begin to change and so did Matt and Meredith, as they watched their feelings grow and opposing football teams compete. It wouldn’t be winter without a snowboarding trip. As adventure ran through both of them, Matt invited Meredith on a family trip to Aspen. The days were spent racing down the mountains, sharing chicken sandwiches at White House Tavern and evenings by the fire sipping whiskey. This simple cocktail that warmed their souls was always Meredith’s favorite. It brought her such pleasure sharing a passion for whiskey with Matt and building together a collection of memorabilia bottles.

Things took a more serious turn for them in April of 2022, on a trip back to Pennsylvania where they moved furniture out of Matt’s childhood home. When one door closes, the next opens. However, a different door was cracked for the two love birds, an apartment door that they pondered opening together. Each of their leases was due up in the Summer, and true to the theme of their relationship, the stars were aligning to take their relationship to the next step. A bit nervously, they started the hunt for the perfect apartment. Quickly the papers were signed and the boxes were packed as they moved into their first place on Matt’s birthday.

Time flew as they filled their schedule with weddings, date nights, and lots of time with family and friends. However there was one subject they could not stop talking about, it felt like there was something missing in both of their lives. What that piece was, had 4 legs, a tail and kisses full of love. The couple had their hearts set on getting a Vizsla, a high energy dog that would blend well with their active lifestyle.

On one of their trips to Colorado the two meet the mother and grandmother of what would soon be their new puppy. Excitement flooded them as they shared whiskeys at Woody Creek distillery. There was no question what to name her, it would be Rye.

When July rolled around Matt and Meredith packed their bags in preparation to bring home the new bundle of joy. As this would be their last trip in Colorado for the year, a new family picture was a must for the 2023 Christmas card. However, Matt had other plans in mind as he used that special photo-worthy moment to get down on one knee, brand new puppy in hand, and ask Meredith to marry him. Through a tearful and excited “yes” the three began to celebrate the next chapter of forever together.