Our story began on May 29, 1993 — when a family friend, Butch Malstrom, decided we should go on a blind date. (Thanks, Butch… you were onto something.)

Matt picked Tami up, and we went to dinner at Ale House and then to a movie. What we didn’t expect? We talked for hours. Turns out we had a lot in common — shared family values, strong faith, and a natural connection that felt easy from the start. Tami loved that Matt was a technical, construction-minded guy — she could speak his language. And somewhere in the back of her mind she wondered… “Did God just introduce me to my future husband?”

Plot twist: Matt had just accepted a job in California and was leaving in August.

So what did we do? We made that summer count. We rode the dinner train to Chateau Ste. Michelle, took a private plane ride to Friday Harbor, and watched the Seafair hydros from a friends’ boat. It was romantic, adventurous, and the beginning of something special.

Then Matt moved to California… and our love story became long-distance. Tami was falling hard. Matt wasn’t exactly campaigning for commitment at the time. (He’ll admit it now.) But we kept visiting each other anyway. Tami flew down often — especially whenever Matt moved into a new place. She even shipped her bike to Hermosa Beach for a three-week visit. We explored, adventured, and created memories in every new city.

After three years, Matt moved back to Washington in 1996 to start his computer business. Life got busy. We drifted apart. But somehow, no matter how much time passed, we always found our way back to each other.

Fast forward to 2003 — reconnecting again. This time, Tami made it clear: she wanted forever. We dated on and off, tried counseling (which told us to go our separate ways — spoiler alert: we didn’t), and navigated seasons of growing up and figuring life out.

Then in 2012, a tiny four-legged matchmaker named Ginger entered the picture. Tami got a puppy… and Matt absolutely melted. Ginger quickly became our girl and even inspired us to open a doggie daycare together from 2013–2018. If that’s not commitment practice, we don’t know what is.

Through the years — and yes, decades — we’ve experienced growth, space, reconnection, friendship, faith, and a love that simply refused to disappear. No matter the season, something kept drawing us back together.

Turns out, some love stories just take the long, scenic route.

Now, after 30+ years of history, laughter, learning, and loving, we are choosing forever — with God at the center of our marriage and a friendship that has stood the test of time.

Better late than never… and absolutely worth the wait.