Leilani was a freshman at Emory & Henry College in Abingdon, VA when she spotted Matt, a junior at the time, walking past her table and half-jokingly said to her friend, "That guy is hot,” only to be told he was “not her type” and unfortunately, taken. Little did she know, two years later their paths would cross again.

Fast forward to 2016: Matt had taken a year off and returned as a junior. They were at a friend's house for a back-to-school party. Leilani was holding her own in a game of beer pong when a now-single Matt, competitive and ready to humble her, stepped up to the table. Here was the guy she had secretly crushed on for two years, standing before her, wanting to play her in BP. Would she let him win?

No… No, she would not.

Shocked by her win and trying to keep things cool, Leilani suggested they take a photo together, bonding over their Ray-Bans that hung from their shirts. With no intention of sending the picture to Matt, she tried taking the photo (see above) and walking off with it, but when he asked for her number to send it to him, she couldn’t resist.

What started as friendly competition turned into late-night talks, spontaneous hangouts, and a relationship full of love, laughter, and a friendship like no other.

They’ve been together since September 11, 2016, and on March 23, 2024, Matt proposed. Now, they’re beyond excited to celebrate the next chapter of their love story with all of you on October 24, 2025, as they say, "I do."

Photos

September 2016 - March 2024

Georgetown, DC Engagement Shoot

Phong Dinh Photography (October 2024)