You could say their love started 8 years ago, but they have known each other since preschool! They were in class together, went to the same birthday parties, and grew up in the same church. Sydney and Matthew went through life together not knowing much about each other or how their love story would grow. As they grew up, they went to different schools, had different friends, and went on completely different journeys of life. In November of 2017, Sydney was singing during a Wednesday night church service, which was a one time thing for her. Matthew had been going to Wednesday night services with his mom, Amy, and brother, Ethan. Afterwards, one of the two (Amy and Ethan will tell you opposite) told Matthew to reach out to Sydney... and sure enough he did. Sydney immediately told her mom, Cheryl, who encouraged her to actually respond to the message instead of just reading it over and over again. The two never stopped talking. They played iMessage games for weeks on end, talked about every topic under the sun, and asked each other how it was possible they had gone this long without ever connecting until now. At 14 and 15 years old, Sydney joined Matthew's family to their annual trip to the Christkindlmarket in the city. She immediately felt at home and like a part of their family. On December 13th, 2017, Matthew told Sydney that he would really love it if she would be his girlfriend. Over the last 8 years, they have continued to grow in life and love, going through the highest of highs and lowest of lows together. They graduated high school (navigating what life looked like during the pandemic), went to and graduated college together, supported each other through adult life changes through intensive schooling for Sydney and Police training for Matthew. All of the hours spent at sports games, performances, dances, milestone events, and family celebrations contribute to the uniqueness and specialness of Matthew and Sydney's relationship. On September 28th, 2025, Matthew proposed to Sydney on the 9th hole at Randall Oaks Golf Course. With family and friends, the two celebrated the start of their married life together.... even though their life together had already begun at age 4.