Our Story

Perhaps the first sunny day after a long gray winter as you breathe in the sweet smell of flowers warmed by the sunshine?

Or maybe at the birth of a first child as she/he looked at you with recognition for the first time?

Well, imagine that if instead of these perfect moments catching you by surprise that instead they happen every time you looked into the eyes of the one you love. That is the only way to describe our story; day after day of one perfect moment after another.

So how did it all start you ask?

We first met over the phone, in conference calls where Cherrish told Matt what she wanted the VRU (automated customer service) to do and Matt told Cherrish what she really wanted it to do. We made a great team and experienced many successes over the years of this back and forth consulting.

In 2006 both of us experienced the loss of a loved one to cancer. In July, Matt’s wife lost her battle after a well fought fight and in October, Cherrish’s dad lost his. Many say that out of tragedy comes some of life’s greatest gifts - for us these tragedies gave us the bridge that took us from co-workers and friends, to soul-mates.

We finally met in person in October of 2006, after 3 plus years of conference calls and instant messaging. Cherrish traveled to Salinas to spend a weekend with her dear friend Pam, who saw what a perfect match the two us would be. We talked for hours on end that weekend, went kayaking with another friend, and soaked in every moment.

The friendship continued to blossom as Matt supported Cherrish through a bitter divorce and Cherrish supported Matt through the pain and grief of losing his wife. In January, 2007, Cherrish found an apartment in Salinas and relocated in order to put a safe distance between her and her soon-to-be-ex-husband.

The friendship continued to grow and there became no doubt that we were meant for each other. Matt learned what it is like to have children around and what is means to be a father.

Dinner at Hullabaloo’s on March 26th celebrated the finalizing of Cherrish’s divorce and the reality of a future together seemed more and more real everyday.

On Mother’s day, Matt baked one of his delectable cherry pies from scratch. Cherrish offered to help serve, but was shooed away as Matt insisted on waiting on her hand and foot. When the pie was served, there on the top was the most amazing diamond engagement ring!
Matt knelt on one knee and asked Cherrish to be his wife. Matt’s mom and Cherrish’s children, Chandler and Jordan, all smiled as they watched and it is still debated as to who squealed in joy louder - Cherrish or Chandler?

That summer we moved to Buffalo as Matt was asked to relocate. In August, Cherrish’s oldest son, James, moved in and our home now sheltered three out of four of Cherrrish’s children. Without any previous experience and very minimal exposure to children, Matt was often asked if he had gone insane. Yet his love for Cherrish and never ending patience continue to conquer all the trials that come with children. In December, Caitlynn, Cherrish’s oldest child, also moved in, making the new family complete. And now here we are, just days before our wedding.

While most believe that happily ever after begins the day after the wedding, for us it has already begun; as we enjoy one perfect moment after another.

We are so excited to share our special day with all of you - our dear family and friends. After all, our story wouldn’t be the same without you!