It all started in middle school youth group at CrossLife Oviedo. We never officially met or even really spoke in these days, but there was a general awareness about each other. One day during my college days, I (Matthew) saw Emma’s profile on social media and remembered her name. I saw that she was very beautiful and was doing all of these crazy road trips and adventures! I was so attracted, but was going to school in North Carolina, so I put that in the back of my mind… but it always lived there. When I moved back and was looking to attend church again, some friends in the bridal party (thanks Mel and Pat) saved some seats for me. I sat down and there she was: THE Emma Wazny, looking more beautiful than ever. I was able to muster out the words “so… how have you been?” The moment Emma started speaking, I knew I would marry her. I never believed in love at first sight until this day.

I (Emma) was certainly interested that he asked me out to coffee a few months later. I had to ask someone in the bridal party (thanks Mel and Pat) if this was a real date. Little did I know, Matthew had been asking them both about me, so they already knew it was a date. We went to Bar Louie in Winter Park for our first date and hit it off great. Afterwards, we walked around REI.

The entire first date I (Matthew again) was so nervous. I needed this woman to like me!! Turns out I was able to be cool enough for a second date, third date, and so on.

One day on a park bench at Lake Baldwin, Matthew asked me (Emma) to make things official. I obliged and we sealed it with a literal handshake, which we still laugh about today. Over the next few months, we grew very deeply in love. While Matthew already knew I was the one, it didn’t take long before I too was head over heels.

What made me fall in love with Matthew?

I fell in love with Matthew’s commitment to a God-honoring and bountiful life. He is committed to loving the Lord, loving others, working hard, being kind, and having fun. I fell in love with his gentle yet uncompromising nature to live a life worthy of admiration. I fell in love with him because I had never before been faced with such a precise example of godly pursuit, a pursuit that taught me so much about how God pursues his Church. I fell in love with Matthew because he loved me so well that I had but no other choice. He is ever attentive to my spoken and unspoken needs, makes me laugh constantly, and is so selfless. He makes me feel worthy of a love I don’t deserve.

What made me fall in love with Emma?

The biggest attraction that I had initially is that every interaction with her pointed me towards Christ. Her gentleness, kindness, and selflessness radiates with the Spirit. Emma's outlook on life is astounding as well. She is willing to see the world differently and is not afraid to challenge the status quo. In this way, she is truly set apart. Additionally, there is a sort of calm that I felt with her, whether in a crowded room, or one on one. Then, of course, the girl is her own unique brand of silly! Her mannerisms make me laugh so easily. In short, she is funny, gentle, caring, set apart, stunningly beautiful, and Christlike.

Back to the story!

We were on a trip to Atlanta for a concert and to visit some friends (once again, thanks Mel and Pat) and on the drive home, I (Matthew) wanted to have a conversation about where things were headed. When Emma told me that she too thought that I was the one, I was elated! And in true Emma fashion, she immediately began inspecting the back seat of my car to see if it were roomy enough to sleep in, just in case we wanted to go on a big road trip once we got married.

Once we made the direction of our relationship clear, I went hard at work to get me the best ring I could for Emma. With the help of her sisters, I found the perfect one! Then I bought the ring, asked Emma’s parents for their blessing, and the proposal planning began.

It was a warm and sunny spring day. My (Emma) sister Anna was oddly adamant that I take some graduation photos for her at the Orlando Wetlands Park, which was odd because she wasn’t graduating that semester. I obliged and we drove to the Wetlands and then hiked up to the hill overlooking the park. As we got closer, I saw a man very far off in the distance and by the time I get to the bottom of the hill, Lo and Behold! It was Matthew!

Emma put two and two together considering I wasn’t supposed to be there, and I was dressed a little nicer. She ran up the hill and I delivered the most heartfelt speech I could think of. I told her how much she means to me and how deep my love is for her. I proceeded to get down on one knee, present her ring, and then I popped the question.

SHE SAID YES!!!

The ring fit perfectly! We were both in an elated shock and shared the tightest hugs of our lives. We walked around the park for a bit to just appreciate the moment together. Little did Emma know, I had one more surprise for her.

After about an hour of just taking in the moment, we got in Matthew’s car and drove home. I was too shocked to think about what was happening next, I was just overjoyed and excited to tell people! When we pulled up to my house, there were dozens of familiar cars. Matthew not only completely surprised me with the proposal (which is a very hard thing to do), but also planned an engagement party for us! Our family and church friends were all there to celebrate us. They did quite the job keeping it a secret.

This leads us to now, as we prepare for our wedding. We are grateful for all of the amazing support we have received from our community and cannot wait to celebrate our union with all of you.

Cheers,

E&M