The love story of our soon-to-be bride and groom began on April 16, 2022.

Though three decades of life unfolded before their paths crossed, it felt similar to what John Fitzgerald once referred to as “the beginning of everything”.

Their first date took place at a lovely restaurant in Fullerton, California. Knowing mediterranean cuisine was one of Stephanie’s favorites, Matthew deliberated for days until finding the perfect destination for their first date. The two shared dinner together, many laughs and quickly realized the potential of their newfound courtship.

Slowly, but surely, the couple continued to spend more time together as they found themselves falling fast in love. Together, they fostered a loving relationship fueled by shared passions and an unwavering commitment to one another.

“It wasn’t until meeting Matthew that I realized what I had been searching for all along. I fell so hard for him, but I wasn’t scared. I knew he would love me and keep me and my heart safe – and he did.”

- Stephanie

The two went everywhere together. They met each other’s closest friends and family until the day finally came for the most exciting meeting of all – the day that Stephanie would meet a very special two-year-old boy named Carson, Matthew’s son.

After a fun-filled day of picking pumpkins and eating tasty treats, Stephanie fell equally in love with this sweet and vivacious little boy. Together, the two of them became fast friends. From performing dance renditions to PSY’s ‘Gangnam Style’ to catching Pokémon side-by-side, the two of them became just as inseparable.

“I’ll never forget the first day Stephanie and Carson met. I was nervous leading up to it, but all of that went away when I saw how she was with him, how much she already loved him. It was after that, the first time Carson asked me ‘Where is Stephanie?’ - that’s when I knew, she was the one.”

- Matthew

It was then that Matthew hatched a plan to ask Stephanie to be his wife.

The couple loved playing the indie video game Stardew Valley together. They would use this bonding time to do something they both enjoyed, bringing them even closer together. When the Stardew Valley Festival of Seasons orchestra was announced in Santa Monica, Matthew knew this would be the day that he would pop the big question.

On February 17, 2024 after a magical evening, Matthew went down on one knee, took Stephanie's hand and asked, “Will you marry me?”.

To which she replied, “Yes”.