Once upon a time.....the story of how Matt & Stephany met and how their great love story began.

In July of 2021 Matt took a trip to Nashville to look for a home to purchase, with the intention of moving to Tennessee.

While in town, Matt's friend Jayson called to chat, and they discovered they both happened to be in Nashville at the same time. Jayson was going to the CMA Fest and asked if Matt wanted to join. The problem was there were no seats near his tickets, so Matt would be sitting alone.

Contemplating whether he wanted to go or not, Matt hopped on Instagram and saw that his lifelong friend, Jill Vanderkallen, had posted that she was in Franklin, Tennessee. Matt texted Jill and asked if she wanted to go to the CMA Fest with him, but Jill replied that she had already returned home to California.

Jill said, "My friend Steph and her mom, Linda, would love to go I'm sure," so Jill immediately connected them altogether in a group chat. Stephany and Linda decided to join Matt, and they all met for the first time that night. They had an amazing time, and Matt felt like he had known them forever even though they had just met. The three of them immediately became great friends.

Two hearts together as one:

Four months later Matt moved to Tennessee. Matt and Stephany were no longer living across the country from each other and could now spend a lot of quality time together. A beautiful relationship developed. Since then, they have shared so many wonderful experiences! They've travelled the world, had lots of laughs and incredible moments that will always be cherished. They live life to its fullest potential taking advantage of many adventures.

Stephany and Matt have both personally endured many trials in life which bonded them uniquely. They have truly found comfort, joy in their relationship, and have developed hearts full of deep love for each other.

Matt says, "Stephany is my person, my best friend and I love her with my entire being. If you know Stephany, you know how incredibly special she is. There is no woman I'd rather spend my life with than my best friend, and it's time to make that happen. God has truly blessed me by putting Steph in my life."

Stephany says, "On Valentine’s Day something very magical happened that I will always remember as the happiest day of my life!

My Prince Charming proposed to me with the sweetest storybook that he made for me. The story began with the classic opening phrase, "Once Upon a Time," and ended with, "Stephany Oades, will you be my wife?" I said yes!!

We are both looking forward to spending forever together after we get married on 4/4/2025 and living happily ever after!"