Chapter 1 : The Set Up

Payton- On a breezy mid-summer day in 2016, Payton was walking off of the ultimate frisbee field when her friend Carolyn skipped up to her. She excitedly told Payton that her boyfriend, Ethan, had a friend that Payton had to meet. She said his name was Boris, and Payton agreed to let her set up them up on a blind double date. True to form, Payton then attempted to look him up on Facebook to see just who she had agreed to be set up with, and to find out if Boris was his first name or his last name.

Matt- Ethan said nothing to Matt.

Chapter 2: The Date

Payton- Carolyn and Ethan (mostly Carolyn) set up a rock climbing date for the four of them. Payton spent way too long trying to figure out what in the world a person wears on a sporty date, and still remembers what she wore to this day. Payton thought Matt was hot, and tried to talk to him while he climbed one of the rock walls. He was super sweet trying to help instruct her on rock climbing, but not-surprisingly she wasn't great at it. After that, all she really remembers is being dropped out of the air by Carolyn as she tried to climb the wall. In the end it must not have been the best first date ever because Matt never actually asked for Payton's number.

Matt- Ok, ok ok, so Ethan did fill Matt in on the date plan, just a bit later than they told Payton. Rock climbing is one of Matt's favorite activities, so naturally he had to bring his A-game to impress his cute date (although his clothing choice eludes him at the moment). All in all, Matt thought the date went very well; not only was his date willing to give climbing a try, but she was also down to go for a burger and beer afterwards. As fun as it was however, Matt had just gotten out of a recent romantic relationship and he wasn't in the right head-space to dive right into a new one. Payton also didn't ask for his number.

Chapter 3: One and a Half...Years...Later...

Payton- A little over a year and a half later Payton was out with her friends for a birthday party. Carolyn was invited too! Ethan ended up bringing his friends along as well. The groups hung out separately at the beginning of the night, but ended up combining later. Payton went back to Broad Ripple with the group and ended up sitting next to Matt in the Uber. They hit it off right away. By the end of the night Payton handed Matt her phone and asked for him to give her his number. He did!

Matt- 2018 was fresh in the air. The holidays were over, but that didn't stop the party. Because birthday parties happen year-round. Matt's friend Ethan was going to a birthday party for his girlfriend's friend and he asked Matt and a few more friends to tag along. While the stowaways hung out by themselves most of the night, drinks and cheers ended up crossing the great divide and new friendships were formed. There was one who caught Matt's eye, and he knew he couldn't let the opportunity slip up again, so he sat next to Payton and bugged her for the rest of the night. They shared an Uber with the group back to Broad Ripple and by the end of the night Matt was smitten. (He also cooks a good pancake on the first try).

Chapter 4: The Rest is History

Payton- She knew Matt was the real deal right away. From that point on Matt never let her doubt how he felt about her. They quickly bonded over breakfast sandwiches, The Wire, and a love for competition (lots of Irish Poker formed a solid base for this relationship). Over the next two years Matt was there for Payton while she did her last three semesters of law school. He supported her through graduation, and was the best person she could have had around while studying for the Bar exam. Even more heroic was how he continued to encourage her while she waited for her exam results and then waited for a job offer. Through all of that, Payton fell in love him and with the partnership they created. In January of 2020, Matt took Payton to a salsa dance lesson. While they were showing off their newly-learned moves, he did an awesome spin move and got down on one knee to ask her to marry him. Payton said "yes!"...or it could have been "uh-huh"...but either way she had never been happier to say yes to anything. Now they are getting married!!!

Matt- From then on, things seemed to go pretty well. They are getting married after all! (Highlights include, but are not limited to: a trip to San Diego, [almost] soapbox racing in Cincinnati, camping in Hoosier National Forest, several weddings attended, family vacations to New York, Branson MO, and Cedar Point, Jukebox the Ghost concerts, Macklemore/Kesha concert, Peach getting a new dog-mom, promotions and new careers, too many fond memories to count, and many many many more soon to come).

P&M

Wedding Day

Ceremony and Reception