Matthew and Shannon’s story began in 2017 with a bold DM. Matthew “shot his shot” by asking Shannon for workout pointers… though, in hindsight, fitness tips weren’t really what he was after. One message led to another, and before long, Shannon invited Matthew to meet up for happy hour at a true Atlanta staple: Boogalu.

On November 10th, the two met in person for the very first time. Shannon got there early (to “warm up” with a drink or two), but 30 minutes later sent Matthew a playful warning: “you better hurry yo ass up… you gone miss this happy hour!” When Matthew arrived, he immediately noticed Shannon wasn’t exactly the 5’11 he’d claimed online. Shannon laughed it off, saying, “boy, you know I’m not 5’11, duh!” (Turns out, some jokes don’t land until you’ve actually met in person.)

The night was full of laughter, drinks, and easy conversation. But when it came time to leave, Matthew realized Shannon might have had one too many. When Matthew offered to drive, Shannon insisted, “you ain’t driving my car, I’m fine, boy… get in.” Seconds later, after getting behind the wheel, Shannon looked over and admitted: “yeaaa, I can’t drive!” Matthew took the keys, and also took the first of many chances to care for him.

The very next day, Shannon reached out (with a hangover but no regrets), letting Matthew know how much fun he’d had and that he wanted to see him again. From that moment on, they talked every single day. They soon made things official, took their first trip together to Mexico, and started writing the chapters of a love story neither of them could have scripted.

Though they began long-distance, fate had other plans. When COVID-19 brought Matthew to Atlanta, what was supposed to be a two-week stay turned into a year of living together in Shannon’s studio apartment. They survived that ultimate test of love and laughter, moved in together in 2021, purchased their first home in 2023, and on September 19, 2024, during Shannon’s birthday trip to Isla Mujeres, Shannon got down on one knee and asked Matthew to spend forever together.

Now, surrounded by family and friends, they’re ready to celebrate a love that started with a DM, blossomed over happy hour drinks, survived a pandemic in a studio apartment, and continues to grow stronger every single day.