Matthew & Stephanie

Our Story...

Matt and I met our first year at Drake University where we lived in the same residence hall. We participated in the same small group but did not really get to know each other until after graduation. Matt and I both worked as college ministry interns for our church, Walnut Creek, for two years. We were in the same small group for both of those years and that is where our friendship really grew and developed into a dating relationship.

 

Matt and I had been dating for just over a year when he planned a quick trip to the beautiful state of Colorado to "visit one of my best friends, Courtney". We left very early from Des Moines on Saturday, November 1st and flew into Denver, CO. Matt had the whole day planned and I had no idea what was on the agenda. He had shared the plan with my friend Kelly  (so that she could help me pack!) and with our families. Everyone did a great job keeping it a secret from me! We rented a car and drove to a cute restaurant with a beautiful mountain view and delicious food for breakfast. We walked around a lake next to the restaurant and then went to Starbucks for a while. Then, we drove to a candy factory where we got to go on a tour and watch them make huge candy canes! It was really fun and for a Christmas-lover like myself, a thoughtful addition to the day. After the candy factory, we drove to Target and picked up some snacks and a picnic blanket. Then, we drove up into the mountains in Boulder and had a picnic. It was such a beautiful day! We chatted about the sign we saw that said "mountain lions in this area" and laughed a lot. Then, Matt tastefully turned the conversation into one about the future and his feelings for me. He pulled out the most beautiful ring and asked me to marry him! I believe my response was "yes, yes, yes, yes!" I was so excited and honored that this incredible man would want to spend the rest of his life with me and I was absolutely sure that I felt the same way.  We stayed on the mountain and chatted about marriage and life and then hiked around a little bit. Following that exciting picnic, Matt had dinner reservations in Loveland and then we got to spend the night with Courtney and her husband, Collin in Fort Collins. We flew back to Des Moines the next day and received so much love and support from our family and friends! 

​