The story of Matt and Lia begins in the Fall of 2020 at the Burnett Honors College, where they first met as Team Leaders for Honors Symposium. Seeking community and friendship was not easy during a global pandemic, but a small group of friends formed among the Team Leaders, and Matt and Lia grew closer.

Those who are familiar with this story know Lia fell first and pined after an oblivious Matt for 3 months. The pining eventually culminated in a very romantic moment when Lia shouted at the ocean, “I think it’s fairly obvious I have feelings for you,” while the two were pulling an all-nighter to watch the sunrise. And thus began their romantic relationship.

Fast forward a year and two months to May 2022, Matt and Lia (along with their cat, Lucie) move across state lines to upstate South Carolina so Lia can attend graduate school at Clemson University. Three more cats, six job transitions, two graduate degrees, and one home purchase later, Matt and Lia are excited to see what married life has in store for them!