Our story began with a divine intervention. Michaela was a cadet (seminary student) in at The Salvation Army College for Officer Training and was awaiting the announcement of the location of her Summer Assignment. She was assigned to the Indianapolis Fountain Square Corps with Captains Vinal & Brenna Lee (we love you guys!). Michaela had no idea what was in store for her during the summer. It included lots a new experiences, moments of training, and some really great people....

Meanwhile, Matthew was attending The Salvation Army Fountain Square Corps taking classes to enroll to be a soldier. He will tell you he swore off women at the time, but in walked Cadet Michaela... and we all know the truth *wink*. Matthew enrolled as a solider on Michaela's final sunday at the Fountain Square Corps and that was it... right?

Long story short.... (luckily) no! Michaela was commissioned and ordained as a pastor in June of 2021 and was appointed to Marion, Indiana!

Meanwhile Matthew served and attended The Salvation Army Fountain Square in Indianapolis. In this time he grew from newly enrolled member to a leader and eventually began working for The Salvation Army as a case manager in Johnson County

Friday, March 4, 2022 would be when Matthew and Michaela would cross paths again. At a Divisional Youth Rally Michaela recognized Matthew from the summer of 2020. (okay she thought he was pretty cute and wanted him to talk to her) But they did not talk in person (right!?!). But luckily the story didn't end there!

On June 12, 2022 Matthew preached his first sermon at The Salvation Army Fountain Square. He preached on Genesis! And Michaela (thinking she's sly) messaged Matthew to encourage him. After a quick exchange, the conversation was over. But this story isnt.... that wouldn't be fun.

That Friday Matthew messaged Michaela under the guise of "wanting to know how being a pastor was going" and they never stopped talking from there. (Peep the conversation about Michaela never seeing ghostbusters) Matthew messaged Michaela everyday and for a few months that's all they did.

After a few dates (with no photo evidence of) and a trip to the zoo with some of Michaela's support system Matthew was ready to make it officially official. FINALLY.

Beginning in September Matthew started an internship at The Salvation Army in Evansville, IN (4 hours away from Michaela). This meant in their 1 month old relationship Michaela and Matthew existed through mostly Facetime dates. It was difficult at times, but their love was true.

Matthew didn't let the distance get the best of them and visited Michaela as much as he could. On one of their dates he ordered them a 6-inch (personal sized) pizza to share. (That's what you get for letting me make the website)

In December, Matthew went back to Iowa with Michaela to visit her family. He fit right in!

On March 31st, Matthew couldn't wait anymore and he asked Michaela to marry him. Easiest yes she's ever said. Side story: Immediately before this Matthew drove all the way to Iowa to speak with Michaela's Dad (Brian) in person and ask for her hand in marriage. 8 hours one way, isn't he so sweet!?

In May Matthew and Michaela went to Cedar Pointe and bonded over their love of rollercoasters. He tried to pretend he's taller than Michaela too!

On their 1-year anniversary Matthew and Michaela got an even more special celebration by enjoying some vacation and moving Matthew into The College for Officer Training (seminary for The Salvation Army)

Here's to many more memories of the happy couple and many yet to be made with all of you at the wedding! :)