In the autumn of 2022, fate intervened at a most unexpected hour. Matt, having grown weary of modern courtship, opened a dating app with every intention of bidding it farewell. Yet there, like a letter found tucked in the folds of a forgotten book, was a message from Melanie — and in that moment, everything changed.

Their first meeting was set beneath the golden glow of San Ramon’s City Center. Over candlelight and Italian fare at Delarosa, their conversation unfolded with ease, like pages of a well-loved novel. Afterwards, they wandered to Salt & Straw, where the sweetness of ice cream was rivaled only by the sweetness of newfound connection. They sat and spoke for hours, as if time had taken mercy on two souls meant to meet. When the evening drew to a close, Matt walked Melanie to her carriage — or, rather, her car — and offered no kiss. She wondered if it was a sign to turn away, but in truth, he was simply choosing honor over haste.

As the winter snow gave way to twinkling lights, the bond between them grew. One evening in December, while wandering through the wonderland of Candy Cane Lane in Pleasanton, Matt began to dream aloud — describing how they might one day adorn their future home in holiday splendor. In that quiet vision of shared tomorrows, Melanie saw her forever.

Their love has since journeyed far — across sandy shores and bustling cities. From the sun-kissed beaches of Mexico and Belize to the magic of Disney World, from the snowy charm of Tahoe to the ever-awake heartbeat of New York. In March of 2024, they embarked on a new adventure, leaving California for Bel Air, Maryland — a bold chapter inspired by opportunity, and written together.

Then came a day in late May 2025, on the windswept shores of Wildwood Crest. Melanie had traveled to the sea for Memorial Day, believing Matt could not join her. But love, as it often does, found a way. He arrived, unexpected and radiant with purpose, and led her on a walk along the water’s edge. There, with the waves as witness and sand beneath his knee, Matt asked Melanie to be his forever — and she said yes, with a heart full of certainty.

Melanie loves Matt for his unwavering loyalty, the gentle strength with which he holds the world, and the way he loves without condition or judgment. Matt loves Melanie for her resilience, the luminous joy she brings to every room, and the way her laughter feels like sunlight through the clouds.

Theirs is a love both quiet and grand, steady and wild — a story still unfolding, page by page, hand in hand.

Portraits of a Courtship

Portraits of a Courtship coming soon!