We met working at Marigold Kitchen, a breakfast/lunch cafe just off the Capitol square in Madison. Jacki remembers walking in for her interview and being greeted by a very friendly, big-grinned and wild-haired punk who was, unbeknownst to her, the love of her life. We became instant friends. We danced to mixtapes while setting up private parties at the cafe, took leisurely bike rides through the arboretum, enjoyed salsa nights, and got lost in socio-political discussions. 

One Halloween we dressed up as Team Rocket (from Pokemon, duh! Photo w/ our muffin recipe) for a costume contest at The Majestic Theatre, but missed the entire event because we were having our own dance party and completely lost track of time. Had we made the contest, we would have surely won… 😉

The first date we can remember was dinner at Sala Thai on the Eastside. However, neither of us knew it was a date until half way through. Discussion topics included: superiority of slightly green vs. ripe bananas, plotting the demise of a certain shitty governor, top 5 lists, etc. Matt realized then that Jacki was the person he wanted to navigate life with.

The universe had unexpected and beautiful plans for us! Neither of us intended on settling down, nor getting married. We have become inextricable companions. True partners. 

We have a common world view, love for art, understanding of history, commitment to social justice and a deep reverence for nature. We revel in absurdity. We push ourselves to seek out new experiences. Enjoyment of the present moment is of highest priority to each of us. Together we relish in simple daily pleasures; coffee on the front porch, sitting at the lake, making and eating dinner over the course of several hours, driving around with no particular destination.  

We inspire infinite growth in one another and work to not take the other for granted. Equally bossy, we are able to hold one another accountable, though the conversation may not always be pretty. We ask hard questions and continually learn to face challenges head on, united.  Openness, forgiveness and kindness enable our co-evolution and strengthen our relationship. 

Every day we choose each other and fall deeper in love through life’s trials and adventures.  While fiercely independent, we are also profoundly enriched by loving one another. Our sum is greater than our individual parts. Just ask Nico.