Matt and Lauren met in late August of 2019 in the most conventional way for aging millennial nerds: on the internet. They were immediately drawn to each other’s quirky and goofy vibes, and after exchanging messages and getting to know each other a bit, they decided to meet in person. They planned a date at the local North Portland lounge Victoria Bar for Saturday, September 7th.

The chemistry was immediate and strong. Matt was warm and affable, and Lauren was clever and charming. They talked for hours, the minutes melting away like butter. But more importantly, the laughter flowed freely and easily. By the time they closed down Victoria Bar and paid their tabs, their cheeks were aching from the evening of smiles and laughter. After agreeing to meet again soon, Lauren leaned in and sealed the deal with a kiss. Matt beamed all the way home.

The next few months were a flurry of exciting adventures. They spent more late nights getting to know each other at bars like The Rambler and Moloko on N Mississippi Street, playing video games and watching cartoons at Lauren’s house, singing karaoke at Sweet Home, eating deliciously greasy brunch at Nite Hawk Cafe, and they even went to a huge Halloween house party together where they didn’t know a single other person. Things were going great, they were having a blast and growing closer by the day, nothing could possibly go wrong!

And then in March of 2020 for reasons outside their control, the non-stop adventures came to an abrupt halt. But they decided to stick it out, frequently texting each other, having video calls, playing video games, and watching movies together online. It wasn’t ideal, but the love they had begun to nurture was too special to let a little thing like a massive global pandemic get in the way. Matt eventually got his own apartment, and they were able to spend more time together in person.

Around the end of 2021, Lauren and Matt decided to move in together. They joined forces and created their own little nerd-nest, and soon after decided to adopt their first (and weirdest) kitten, Jeff. They met each other’s families, traveled a bit, and inherited a second cat named Sully after Lauren’s father and step-mom passed away. They continued to build their life together as their relationship grew stronger.

As Lauren’s birthday approached in June of 2025, Matt invited some of their closest local friends to a karaoke party at VoiceBox in SW Portland. After Matt’s vocal chords were properly warmed up, he covertly put on the suit jacket and clip on bow tie he had stashed away and proceeded to serenade Lauren with the song “I Swear” by the 90’s R&B group All-4-One. Right as the saxophone solo hit after the second chorus, Matt reached into his jacket pocket, took a knee, and offered Lauren a ring. He asked Lauren to marry him… and she said yes!

Which brings us to the reason you’re reading this. We’re so excited and so happy to include you all in our big day, and we can’t wait to celebrate our union together on August 30th, 2026. See you then!