Matt and Irini were always meant to find each other. While they may have crossed paths before through their mutual friends, the spark truly ignited in March 2020 at Irini's birthday party. (Little did they know, the world was about to change forever just a week later!)

Separated by distance but connected by their friends and a shared love of laughter (and virtual games that Irini learned to love!), Matt slid into Irini's DMs. Their texts flew back and forth, filling the days with anticipation until their first "socially distant" picnic date in June 2020. The connection was undeniable; the virtual sparks were even brighter in person (even though Matt forgot a bottle opener...) 

Matt proposed to Irini in Paris during the Summer Olympics in August 2024. When Matt wasn’t working during the games, he would spend his downtime walking all over Paris to find the perfect spot. Several lies about lunches and plans later, Matt asked a VERY surprised Irini the question at the Jardin de Luxembourg.  And just like their first date four years prior, their first date engaged was, of course, a picnic in the park.  He promised to never forget a bottle opener again.