It's often said that the best relationships are the ones where two individuals come together, not to fill a void, but to enhance what's already there.

Maries Version: October 7, 2022, started off as one of the hardest days I’ve ever had. That morning, I took my mom to meet her ovarian cancer doctor and we learned that this cancer would never be cured but that we would begin treatments to keep it at bay. This news was heavy—really heavy—and I was trying to stay strong for her while quietly falling apart inside.

But as life sometimes has a way of doing, it gave me something I didn’t expect that day—a spark of light in the middle of all the heartache.

That evening, I met Matthew. At the time, I didn’t know that walking into our neighborhood bar, The Pheasent, would change everything. But somehow, in the middle of a day filled with sadness and uncertainty, there he was—calm, kind, and exactly the energy I didn’t know I needed. We started talking, and it just clicked. It felt easy, natural. He listened, asked questions, and didn’t flinch as I talked about my mom, my kids, and all the things going on in my world.

It honestly felt like God knew I needed someone—and sent me Matt. Not long after, he started coaching my daughter Judy’s soccer team (yes, four-year-olds and all the chaos that comes with that!), and from then on, we just kept showing up for each other. It wasn’t perfect or planned—but it was real. Through the hard days, the laughter, and the unexpected twists, we built something steady and strong. Something that felt like home.

As we get ready to celebrate with all of you, I can’t help but think back to that day. It began with heartbreak—but it led me to my person. And now here we are, planning a wedding surrounded by so much love, laughter, and gratitude.

We truly can’t wait to celebrate this new chapter with you. Thank you for being part of our story—it means the world.

Matts Version: It was a Friday Husker game day—already a top-tier kind of day. I started at Flandy’s, as one does. But I later made my way to The Pheasent. Classic move.

Then I met her.

This beautiful blonde walked in, started talking... and didn’t really stop (like, at all). But I didn’t mind—it was actually kind of amazing. She was funny, smart, quick with a comeback, and there was just something about her. One minute we were talking Huskers, the next I was hearing about her kids, her mom, life stuff... and I didn’t want the conversation to end.

I still can’t explain how it all came together, but I know this: she’s my person. And I wouldn’t change a thing.

Now we’re getting married (yes, really—this talkative girl got me to commit!), and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with the people who’ve been part of our story.

So grab a drink, hit the dance floor, and let’s party—because this is just the beginning.