On Love and Marriage

Plus: Celebrating seven-plus years with Ally

Photo by Laura Oliverio

Hi friends,

On May 25, Ally and I got married in an intimate ceremony under a Sycamore tree in Prospect Park, less than a mile from our Brooklyn apartment. A reception at one of our favorite restaurants followed. We celebrated our love exactly 66 years since Ally’s grandparents got married.

The weather couldn’t have been better (mid-70s, sunny). The Sycamore tree was in full, its vibrant green leaves providing a canopy over the ceremony. Ally wore a simple, vintage dress that she thrifted (for $70!). The ceremony itself was short but meaningful, mostly because it was officiated by her dad, Jim, who added humor and personal touches that made it even more special. One of our favorite parts of the day was that Ally’s grandmother (Nonna) attended with a big smile at age 92. Later, she (easily) climbed three flights of stairs to reach our fourth-floor apartment, no sweat.

The day was a blur. Ally and I promised to love and support each other through all of life's adventures, and we feel grateful to have found each other and to officially be married after seven years together. It may have been a small wedding, but that’s all we really needed; it was filled with our love, respect, and admiration for each other.

We've pledged to navigate the journey of life as a “team,” as we like to say, and as partners, supporters, and best friends. We're excited for new experiences, new memories, and hopefully starting a family of our own one day. Thank you all for your ongoing love and support.

Below, I’ve shared a snippet of our love story that appeared in the Sunday (June 9) edition of The New York Times. Here’s a passage:

In more than seven years together, they have navigated school, graduation, jobs, distance, Covid and more. “There was never an upcoming stage of our life that we feared, because our life was constantly moving and changing,” Ms. Moreo said.

“It was just kind of like: Life is coming at us and we’ll take it together.” That became their mantra.

Photo by Laura Oliverio

Finally, to Ally, thank you for all of your love and support over the past seven years. When we met, I wasn’t actively looking for a long-term partner. But you immediately made life more fun and exciting, each week an adventure, even if it was simple joys like walks in the park, coffee dates, spaghetti dinners at home, and routine trips to Wegmans. Your big smile and high energy every day makes life easier.

Maybe above all, you have shown me what true partnership looks like. You were always there with a shoulder to lean on during tough times or when I struggled with self-doubt. You’ve opened me up to new experiences, like the simple beauty of a beach day, and always remind me to have fun along the way.

Photo by Laura Oliverio

You’ve grounded me and inspired me to be a better person each day. Your kindness, joy, and emotional intelligence are qualities I admire. Together, we have grown and explored this world, hand in hand.

Ally, my life was a gift before you, but you made it vibrant, richer, and more joyful. You are my safe haven, my greatest adventure, and my forever love. I promise to spend the rest of our lives making you feel as cherished, supported, and adored as you make me feel. This is only the beginning of our journey together.

Photo by Laura Oliverio

You are my soulmate and forever person. I promise to cherish you, to support you, and to love you. As Rumi said, “Come on sweetheart, let's adore one another before there is no more of you and me.”

With love,

Matthew