It was almost as if the universe wanted Alison and Matt to meet.

While working across the country in 2010, part of Alison’s job description was to make follow-up calls to Lutheran churches. One of those churches was in Eugene, Oregon where Matt’s dad was the pastor. It also happened to be where Alison was going to grad school and thought it would be a good idea to check that church out. And she did.

Fast forward to Summer 2012. Alison and Matt started volunteering together at our church’s “Breakfast Club,” which teams up with other faith organizations to serve breakfast to homeless people in Eugene. Over the summer, their paths crossed many times and they were happy to find out they shared similar interests!

In Oregon, people vote by mail. So during October 2012, Matt, being the good citizen that he is, dropped off his ballot at the drop box at the University of Oregon. On his way there, he passed Alison and her sister, Christina, goofing around in the student union with a cardboard cut-out of the Oregon Duck mascot, Puddles. Alison and Christina were shooting a video for a contest where the winner would have their video displayed on the U of O football stadium’s jumbotron. (They won, by the way).

Matt emailed Alison asking if they were making a video. She told him yes and also said that since they run into each other so often, that they should “intentionally run into each other sometime.” They had their first date the following week, a coffee date where they talked for three hours. One dinner date, hiking date, and beach trip with friends later, Matt asked Alison to be his girlfriend.

Although Alison and Matt live in Eugene, Oregon, they chose to have their wedding reception in Alison’s parents beautiful backyard. Starting off with a few details…

Grandma watched as the girls got Alison into her dress.

Alison and Matt opted for a first look which gave us plenty of time for photos before the ceremony. Their first look location also was an area where they both hike in when they’re visiting for the holidays. 🙂

Their ceremony took place at a nearby chuch…

Ladies and gentleman meet the ring bearer, Maddie. The family’s Italian greyhound. 🙂

That video that was mentioned above when Matt decided to ask out Alison? This is puddles, the mascot.

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the house for reception festivities…

Since U of O was a big part of the foundation of their relationship, they obviously chose the right cake topper and additional cake.

Ceremony Location: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

Cake: Margaret’s Bakery

Catering/Event Planning: Café Primavera

Floral: Bloomster’s (Michael Fuentes)

DJ: Sound in Motion

Make-Up: Kiss and Make-Up 

Hair: Amy Bissell

Photographer: Ryan Greenleaf Photography