So, you know we're getting married but how did we get to this point?

Officially our story starts the same as most modern couples. Matching on an online dating site in May 2021, messaging for a few weeks before meeting in person, going on a date (or two) and then making things official by becoming a couple and settling down together in East Devon. For those of you who only need the short version, that's it. We can't wait to see you on the big day!

For the rest of you, and for those that already know us, it's a little more complicated than that.

During our teen years, both of us had been in the Air Cadets and it's during one Annual Camp in October 2012 that we first became aware of each other. Matt remembers seeing Emmy for the first time, a glimpse at a blonde haired, blue eyed woman with a smile and laugh snort that could light up a room. A few moments that would turn Emmy into Matt's teenage crush. As for Emmy's first impression? Who wouldn't notice a quiet, spotty 15 year old? Yeah, not Emmy... We had to wait another 9 years and for puberty to take effect first.

9 years later though and with the last of the spots gone, we matched on an online dating site in May 2021. After a slow start over messenger, not helped by Matt recovering from severe burns to his hand and Emmy having to be convinced by a friend to reply and give someone, or more accurately anyone a chance, we finally met in person for our first date in Lyme Regis in July.

Whilst the plan to meet for lunch was simple, the weather didn't exactly play along as we spent hours dodging the rain whilst Emmy examined every restaurant menu like a detective looking for clues in a murder documentary. However, the rain did help when we were caught out in the open, forcing us to huddle together under Matts jacket. Seems the universe was giving us a helping hand to get close, how romantic, right?

It's safe to say that the date went well and so we're going to skip ahead a bit here as we're all adults and we know what dating is like. Great fun without the hassle of marriage... or so they say, seeing as we've enjoyed every minute of it so far.

It's now December 2022 and Matt's not driving home for Christmas, but flying home with a question in his head. How do I ask Emmy to marry me, and where? Sounds like a simple enough question, but with a recent hip injury the getting down on one knee part presented quite a challenge. Matt asked Emmy to marry him at sunset, from a viewing point near Cheddar Gorge on Christmas Eve and much to his relief she said YES! Although she did have to help him to his feet afterwards, who says romance is dead?

For those of you who've made it this far, that's it, that's our story. Whilst a lot has changed since then, like moving to the countryside, Emmy taking up gardening and Matt learning how to live with a cat, our relationship has only continued to grow and we can't wait to see you in June when we finally finish what we started by becoming Husband and Wife.