Welcome

We would like to thank you and your family for taking the time to visit our wedding website. Our wedding is set for 3:00 PM on Saturday May 6, 2017 at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. In congruence with Roman Catholic tradition, our wedding will consist of a Catholic Mass at West Point's Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel. The wedding reception will follow at 4:30 PM at the West Point Club. We hope this website can provide you with the best information with regards to lodging accommodations, transportation, directions, etc. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. We hope to see you all on May 6, 2017.

How it all began!

Nicole and Matt first met in February 2016 at her brother's Change of Command Ceremony at Fort Bragg, NC. Nicole's brother, Patrick, and Matt attended the United States Military Academy at West Point together from 2006 to 2009. During their time together at West Point, Patrick and Matt were teammates on the Army West Point Sprint Football Team and members of the Knights of Columbus. Even though she attended numerous Army Sprint Football games, she was never introduced to Matt. Following graduation from West Point, Patrick and Matt went their separate ways. Six years later, Patrick and Matt reconnected in the summer of 2015 when Patrick moved to Fort Bragg. During the summer and fall, Matt apparently made a profound impression on Patrick. So much so that unbeknownst to Matt, Patrick had spoken highly of him to Nicole during a car ride in January 2016. Patrick told Nicole, “I know a great guy that I think you would really like but unfortunately he is moving to Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA. But he might be at my Change of Command Ceremony in February."

Fast forward to the day of the Change of Command; Nicole asked Patrick if he could see Matt in the crowd. Patrick did not see Matt because, as usual, he was running late! Matt had just received the coveted final out-processing stamp (military friends understand this) and made it just in time to catch the ceremony. Following the ceremony, there was a small reception for Patrick's family and friends. During the reception, Matt mingled with Patrick and some other friends but spotted Nicole off to the side. Initially he was stunned by her beauty, but noticed that she was alone. Matt thought to himself, “If she did have someone important in her life, they would be here." So Matt saw his opportunity, confidently approached Nicole, and introduced himself. Never having seen a picture or even knowing his name, Nicole did not realize that Matt was the one Patrick had told her about. Matt and Nicole talked for some time during the reception. In particular, Matt told Nicole about his upcoming trip to Europe where he planned to see Pope Francis in Vatican City and spend some time skiing in the Austrian Alps. Deep down, Nicole was wishing she could go with Matt! After their short conversation together, Nicole realized Matt was the man Patrick had told her about and she just knew there was something really special about him. Matt's move across the country did not concern Nicole – she knew that somehow she wanted Matt in her life.

Following the reception, Matt went his separate way but Nicole immediately Facebook messaged Matt in hopes to stay in touch and get his digits! It was then, when their never ending conversation began! A couple days later, Nicole called Matt while he was boarding his flight to Europe and told him , " you better keep in touch!" Her wish came true – they talked as much as possible and Matt sent Nicole updates and pictures of all the places he traveled to. The day he returned, Nicole attended a Sunday evening mass with Matt and his parents. Following mass, Matt's parents invited Nicole to their home for dinner. I guess you could say it was an old fashioned first date! Everything was perfect that Sunday evening and Matt decided to stay at his parents a little longer than expected before his road trip to Washington. During those few days, Nicole and Matt enjoyed their time together hiking, running, and visiting some of the monuments in D.C.

A few weeks later, Nicole flew out to visit Matt during Easter weekend and together they decided to purposefully date. Since then, Matt and Nicole have visited each other as often as possible – usually every 3 to 4 weeks. Within a few months, God guided Nicole and Matt's hearts towards each other. All of Nicole's childhood dreams were coming true! She had always dreamed of falling in love with an Army officer that shared the same faith, morals, and values as her. Having grown up on West Point, Nicole had also always dreamed of being married in her childhood parish at Most Holy Trinity Chapel. Matt is incredibly grateful to God for bringing Nicole into his life. Both could not be happier and more excited to share this life together.

Matt proposed to Nicole following Thanksgiving Day mass in Mary's Garden at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. on November 24, 2016. In early October, Matt surprised Nicole by taking her out to pick her engagement ring – she couldn't have been more excited! It was at this time that Matt had reserved West Point's Most Holy Trinity Chapel for May 6, 2017. During a month long training exercise in October and November, Matt diligently worked to find the "right" diamond to mount on Nicole's engagement ring. Matt also called Nicole's father, COL(R) Patrick Toffler to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage – luckily COL(R) Toffler accepted Matt's request! Following the training exercise, Matt returned to Washington D.C. for the long Thanksgiving weekend to spend time with Nicole and meet more of her family. Unbeknownst to Nicole, Matt had planned the engagement day in excruciating detail with the help of Nicole's mother, Nina, and her older brother, Glenn. Most importantly, Matt had coordinated with Glenn and his wife, Maddy, to video record and take pictures of the proposal.

Following his arrival into Washington D.C., Matt changed into a suit for Thanksgiving Day mass. Nicole did not understand why Matt was wearing a suit but Matt was able to convince her to dress up as well.Following mass, Matt texted Glenn letting him know that they were "on the move." As Matt walked with Nicole towards Mary's Garden, he explained the history and importance of the garden. (The location had been recommended by a close friend – Thank you Mark Dwyer!) As they approached the garden center, Matt could see Glenn and Maddy hiding in the rose bushes – everything was ready to go. Matt led Nicole to the center statue of Mary and as she focused her attention on the statue, Matt took a step back to prepare to propose. Nicole sensed Matt had left her side so she spun around and saw Matt fumbling with the ring box in his coat pocket. She was so excited she immediately hugged Matt with the biggest smile. Matt had to physically push Nicole back so he had enough space to kneel, say a few words, and ask for her hand in marriage. Meanwhile, Glenn and Maddy had repositioned themselves with the camera right next Nicole and Matt. Nicole said "Yes!"and then realized Glenn and Maddy were recording the entire proposal. Nicole could not have been happier!

1 Corinthians 13:13