It's often said that the universe has a funny way of bringing people together, and this story is a testament to that belief.

It all started in the most unexpected way, on August 10th 2023, when Mat was a guest on a real estate podcast co-hosted by Angel. After the podcast aired, neither of them had any idea they'd cross paths again, little did they know, that was just the beginning.

The odds seem slim that these two individuals, from opposite sides of the country, would find themselves at the same dinner table just over a week later. Although Mat had initially decided not to make the trip, something made him change his mind at the last minute and he headed to Las Vegas. He had no idea at the time that this spur-of-the-moment decision would change the course of both of their lives forever.

Neither Mat nor Angel knew that each other would be at the dinner, but when Mat walked in, he noticed Angel was there. He was asked where he'd like to sit, and he, of course, picked the seat next to Angel.

As fate would have it, Hurricane Hilary was forecasted to reach Los Angeles, where Angel lived, the very next day. Angel was concerned that California's once-in-a-century hurricane would cause her flight home to be cancelled. Without skipping a beat, Mat, being a Floridian with hurricane experience, offered to keep her safe. Together, they drove through the desert into the heart of the storm.

Despite the distance between Tampa and Los Angeles, their connection only grew stronger with each passing day.

Navigating the challenges of a long-distance relationship (which was mostly the grueling 5-hour flight between them), they cherished every moment together and counted down the days until they could be together for good. Just after Christmas 2023, Angel made the leap and moved to Tampa.

On April 4, 2024, amidst the beautiful canals of Venice, Italy, Mat surprised Angel with a proposal. What she thought was just a romantic gondola ride turned into a moment she'll never forget, captured forever by the photographer who had been in on Mat's plan from the start.

Whenever Mat and Angel reflect on their journey, they're reminded of the serendipitous moments and cosmic twists of fate that brought them together. From chance encounters to unforeseen circumstances, every twist and turn has led them to this moment – standing hand in hand, ready to embark on a lifetime of love and adventure together. And as they say "I do," they'll forever be grateful for the beautiful chaos of their love story, woven together by the universe's guiding hand.