One little boy makes an innocent, heartfelt statement, he never imagined what will happen 20 years later >>

"He said what?!"

Sometime in the mid-'90s. Matt Grodsky, aged three, went before all his preschool peers and said that someday he would make his classmate Laura Scheel, his bride. That was quite a statement from someone his age, showing such boldness for a preschooler! As they say, when you know, well, you just know. Promises of love can hardly be taken seriously at such an age, but it was so cute! Then again, how in the world could Grodsky even begin to understand what he was saying?

Simba could never have spoken his lines this sweetly.

Meet The Happy Pair

It was in Phoenix, Arizona, where the pair, then at preschool, first encountered each other. Laura right away caught Matt's eye. He can't seem to recall the initial moment he noticed her, but he remembered that she habitually allowed him to go around with her. He kept attempting to elevate his image in her eyes, by quoting lines from The Lion King, and other such popular children's films.

He stuck to her like glue!

Always Together

Initially, Scheel believed Grodsky to be completely nuts since he'd simply trail her all over the playground the whole day. But soon enough, Scheel became acquainted with Grodsky's contagious and hysterically funny comic side. Once Scheel saw this side of Grodsky, she was hooked just as he was, and they became fast friends. They enjoyed each other's company, and they made each other smile with their constant play time. And as kids their age, all they could ever think about was playing with their toys or their friends.

He was going to have her notice him no matter what!

He Had The Moves!

Additionally, Grodsky attempted to make an impression on Scheel in the midst of some Cinco de Mayo festivities. He had the confidence that he possessed the skill to smash a traditional piñata,  so he figured that that was the way to impress her. And what better way to do that than to show off his skills and that he had the fitness to do it? Not that smashing piñatas constitutes a full workout, but still an impressive feat of strength (if you are a kid).

It's a date ... sort of

Remembering Winnie The Pooh & You

Among Matt's and Laura's recollections from their youngest days, are memories of each other. They recall their times of playing, going to the movie theater with their parents or some other stuff they would do together as kids. We guess that those were the days when Laura's mom would dress her in her Winnie the Pooh clothes  (some still do!) and have her pose for the camera for a memorable shot for the scrapbook! Matt and Laura had no idea then that times spent together as kids held a promise waiting for them when they grow up...

She was the most beautiful girl in the world and he was smitten!

A Mutual Feeling

Matt felt besotted, as did Laura. Despite his young age, he had fallen for her hard and wanted to do the whole thing, with flowers, chocolates, slow dances and trips to Italy. Falling in love with someone gives you a deep desire to have that person around; you cannot get enough of them and feel you need the person in your life or you won't be happy. Matt felt that way towards Laura and believed that he should get up and say it out loud. And so that was how he behaved.

When you're confident about what you say and you don't see the need to take it back

Yes, He Did Say It

He declared his feelings for Laura in front of his preschool friends, aged 4 and 3, who all started laughing. What did Matt say to this? He just told them to wait, and see that it would surely happen. Who could have known that things would end up the way they did? Matt and Laura look so sweet, smiling for the camera. Can you imagine looking back on one of these moments later in life and seeing how it all began?

When you're a kid and don't make your own decisions, stuff happens.

Separated By Circumstances

It turned out that his statement was a rather long time in the making. The juvenile duo attended different elementary schools and they were no longer in contact with each other. They could just imagine each other maturing via the yearly cards their families would exchange at Christmas. While the two might have wanted to stay together, exchange Christmas gifts, stay up and wait for Santa, life was slowly driving them apart.

Life brings changes and you adapt.

Meeting New People

While Scheel and Grodsky went through elementary school, the yearly cards at Christmas mattered increasingly less. As the years went by, neither child was in a hurry to view the photo showing the other, that came with the card. It made valid the age-old saying that if you do not usually see someone, then eventually, you don't even give them a thought. So staying in touch becomes important and prevents two people from breaking their connection (and once communication breaks down, that's when relationship troubles like affairs set in). Of course, in this case, Matt and Laura were just kids and we're getting ahead of ourselves!

This situation is like riding a bicycle. You never forget.

A Blast From The Past!

But during the pair's first year at separate high schools, in autumn, as Laura was going through her friend's phone, she noticed Matt's name. It was a huge coincidence and she was very surprised to see it. His name had never been mentioned before. She then found out that her pal had been in middle school with Grodsky. When she discovered that Matt and Laura had had a preschool attraction, she volunteered to re-establish the link between them. Well, Laura must have had mixed emotions when she saw Matt's name unexpectedly, though it's not like they had an engagement before or anything - they just grew up together, right?

What do you do when someone you haven't seen forever resurfaces?

Inseparable Once More

Laura thought it best to focus on her education; after all, she was in first-year high school. She had apparently declined to answer Matt who then wanted to rekindle their friendship. As it turned out, Laura's pal gave Matt her number. Grodsky sent her a text message, and that was the start of their 'reconnection.' You know how technology has evolved since the '90s (when Matt and Laura were kids) and mobile devices enable people to stay in touch 24/7! So you can just imagine the marathon exchanges of messages and sweet nothings between the two!

It seems the initial pull was still there, but just a bit different.

Getting Serious About A Love Connection

A couple of weeks later, Lara and Matt were going on dates. Of course, dating is such a natural thing in the world for people to get to know each other better and see if they would want to move things to the next level. Matt and Laura were, by all means, dating singles, and gone were the days when they went to the playground and play all day.  A little movie here, eating at their favorite diner, or maybe just hanging out with or without the company of their friends might be some of the ways that the two started spending time together.

 Stepping back to the time of Winnie the Pooh...

Revisiting Where It All Began

In 2015, Laura and Matt began preparations to be high school seniors. This meant their time of being in high school was coming to an end. There was also a chance that their time together would end. Still, the couple was excited, beginning to contemplate and make preparations for their future. One way of helping to define your next stage in life is to sometimes revisit your past. To this end, on May 23, 2015, Matt took a road trip with Laura back to where he first met her - the preschool.

What comes next now that another milestone has been crossed?

 Uncertain of the Next Stage

Just after high school, Laura and Matt were pondering their decision as to what was next for them. Having graduated, they were happy to have their diploma in hand. But now, they had to decide whether or not they should continue as a couple. They had much to discuss to balance their personal life's goals against their desires as a couple. They needed to calm any anxiety they felt; especially since they had been apart in the past and would still be at that moment had fate not intervened and brought them back together again. Would another split be permanent?

Life is presenting big changes. What will they do next?

More of Life's Curveballs

With high school finished, the couple went to college to earn their degrees. They went to two different learning institutions, and on this occasion, they were in two different states. This was an even deeper complication of the separation they experienced after preschool. As students of a college or university are adults, it is at this time that many begin to think seriously about finding a life partner - and for women, they might even think as far as their dream wedding! Young people date, hang out until they meet who they believe is "the one." Matt and Laura, despite being childhood friends, didn't know if the relationship could survive the separation.

What do they have to do to give the relationship a chance?

They Figured Out A System

Matt and Laura made it work. She attended Northern Arizona University, one of the top five-hundred universities in the world, while he attended Columbia College Chicago, a liberal arts college specializing in media studies and the arts. So Laura and Matt were separated by over 1,600 miles, pursuing studies for two different types of careers. This physical separation was difficult for them. However, prior to their departing for their separate campuses, they had discussed ways that they could make the distance work in their favor, and keep their romance going.

They wanted it to work. See what determination results in!

It Had Its Challenges

It was difficult. During their freshman year, they went through a series of trials and error, then finally they figured out a system. They devised a schedule of visits to each other, and for viewing Friends together on Netflix when not in each other's company. For these two, the phrase Netflix and chill took a whole different meaning, and situations like this couple's long-distance affair might have a better chance at surviving if something can, in a way, connect them together. Suffice it to say, it has helped keep Laura and Matt's relationship alive. Their system was working!

He had been waiting most of his life, but he wouldn't wait any longer.

When You Know, That You Know, That You Know ...

Matt did not wait for Laura and him to finish college before asking her to marry him. He was just too eager and excited. He didn't want to risk another situation arising at the end of college which meant they wouldn't be together any longer. He figured that if there would be an immediate engagement between the two of them, then this would help strengthen their bond. It was a case of 'striking while the iron was hot' and sealing the deal while the opportunity is there. They would then have the joy of preparing for their married life, instead of wondering what was next for them.

Where do you go to pull off the perfect moment?

Preparing To Make the Dream a Reality

Matt purchased the engagement ring a couple of months prior to the date he had chosen to pop the big question. He had also gotten her father's blessing beforehand. Her old high school was the venue. And to capture the moment, his brother was already in position at the school before he and Laura got there, to snap pictures of the proposal. Matt's plans reflected social norms, for although a couple might discuss marriage, the gentleman often surprises his lady with the moment of proposal. We're sure that both of them will never forget that sweet moment!

They've waited so long. What will the answer be now?

It's Official!

While traveling there, Matt kept checking his pocket for that little box. And once at the destination, he wasted no time in getting down on one knee to propose. Laura was really stunned. She was also over the moon with excitement. She said, "yes!" Just look at their faces. He then said, "Oh yes I just did that; just like I said I would," and she replied, "I'm so, so happy!." So many years after preschool, he was following through on his words that one day he would make her his bride. And she obviously loved the ring.

So after he gets his response to the big question, what do they do next?

She Will Finally Be His

So Matt's brother carried out the picnic basket the two men had prepared for the occasion. It was the same basket that Matt's father had used when he'd asked Matt's mom to marry him. It was loaded with bubbly non-alcoholic wine and bridal magazines. The brother then stepped back to give the duo their privacy to have their picnic in celebration of their engagement. Laura couldn't stop staring at her engagement ring. There was so much for them to discuss and plan concerning the wedding ceremony, the reception, and what happens after. The magazines would be a big help.

So does she go through with it after not liking him at first?

"Finally Mine!"

In 2016, the sweethearts from preschool tied the knot on the 30th of December. Laura removed her engagement ring for the ceremony and kept all her other fingers bare, as is customary. Then, following the ceremony's completion, she put it on again, on the outside of the wedding band, where the engagement ring is typically worn. Once they were declared Mr. and Mrs., it was time for the pictures. It was a lovely day outside, so they picked a beautiful location outdoors for the photo shoot. Don't they make a wonderful couple?

They're so in love and they couldn't be happier!

It Was Meant To Be ...

Matt's uncle, who did the honors of officiating at his wedding ceremony, noted that the majority of preschool children were focused on locating their sleeping mats and their snacks. For Laura and Matt, preschool led to them finding their soulmates. However, the affection they had for each other as kids, had grown into mature adult love, and now, here they were all decked out on their big day - Laura looking lovely in her wedding gown and Matt looking dapper. Matt just couldn't stop expressing his feelings for Laura. He could never shower her with too many kisses. This tender moment shows that he is a happy man indeed!

When your heart is so full, you cannot keep your experience to yourself.

Telling The Tale

In talking to others about his journey through life with Laura, Matt said he was taken with her when they were children. He had made a pledge in preschool that one day, he would place a wedding ring on her finger, and decided that he would honor that pledge. The ancient Romans believed that a special blood vessel that linked the ring finger to the heart, connected the wedded couple's hearts via their exchanged rings. Although that's not true, our couple sure seems connected to the point where not even time or distance could keep them apart.

What was the most important thing to the couple about their wedding.?

Savoring The Moment

Scheel looks so lovely in her wedding dress. The marriage ceremony was cherished by Grodsky, of course, as much as by Laura. However, for them, the emphasis was more on rejoicing with their family and friends and celebrating their unique story of love. The couple was so happy to have them there to pledge their support for the newlywed's union, which they would help stay strong and survive. But it looks like the Grodskys are already off to a great start in terms of having a strong union. They had worked together through challenging and uncertain times to ensure that their relationship prevailed.

Here's a look at how much fun the wedding reception was!

Twisting The Night Away!

At the reception, Matt and Laura enjoyed the toasts from the bride's father, as well as the best man, and both Laura and Matt made a speech. The cake was delicious, the food was sumptuous, and they loved their gifts, especially as they had a bridal registry. But for the happy couple, it was the dancing and having everyone there with them to celebrate that they loved the most about their most special day. They spent a lot of time on the dance floor during the reception in uninhibited dancing, enjoying the company of the people who had a hand in them becoming a married couple.

The couple talks about the things that keep them attracted to each other.

What I Love About You

The newlyweds shared their most loved attributes of each other. Laura said her most loved attribute of her husband is his comic side. He never fails to make her laugh, and he is the most motivated individual that she's ever known. He's always pressing ahead. For Matt, he said he loves his wife's contagious smile and her heart toward charitable acts for those in need. He added that she is an embodiment of good and is motivating to be with each day.  Relationship experts say that when you sincerely compliment and encourage your mate, they become more confident in themselves, and it strengthens the friendship between you. 

Up next is the honeymoon. Where did the couple go?

"Hello Mrs. G."

Following the nuptials, the ecstatic young couple flew to the exotic island of Maui in Hawaii for their honeymoon. It might interest you to know that honeymoon began in the 19th century in Great Britain among the upper class as a bridal tour, to go see relatives who hadn't been able to attend their wedding. But back on Maui, the Grodskys had an amazing, intimate getaway. While they were there, Scheel had that burning desire to tell the world about their unbelievable romance. An idea came to her that would suit the task perfectly! At the time, she had no clue about the other surprises that awaited her.

How about kids? Will they be having any soon?

We'll have Our Stork Delivery Some Day ... Just not Today

Scheel is employed with a non-profit organization that assists foster care kids, while Grodsky is an account executive working at a digital marketing firm. All their years of studying are paying off, and getting their college degrees was worth their efforts. They're both settling into their jobs and loving them. Additionally, they are enjoying life together as a married couple. Mr. and Mrs. Grodsky plan to eventually become parents. They haven't said how many children they wish to have, but we feel confident that they have the appropriate skills that will make them good parents.

Meet the first addition to their home.

A Man's & a Woman's Best Friend

Matt and Laura Grodsky have said that they are not looking to start a family right away. The only thing that has their attention now is their new home and their new puppy, Kirby. Securing a home before creating a family isn't a bad thing. Also, pets are wonderful to have. Studies have demonstrated that having a bond with one can lower stress, decrease loneliness, and increase the owner's happiness. Plus, taking Kirby out for a walk or play time will certainly boost the Grodskys' fitness level. And Kirby gets to have a loving home to live in!

The couple takes steps to keep the love going strong.

Cementing The Union

The Grodskys have a really good relationship. They do silly stuff with each other and show appreciation, to each other, every day, which is a good sign. It is said that it is the little things you do each day that contribute to and determine the success of any relationship. You need to employ certain habits to keep you out of couples therapy. Two of the things experts recommend for married couples are for them to keep doing the things they liked to do the first year they dated, and to be creative about how they spend time together. So if the Grodskys keep up their routine, marital troubles are kept at bay.

Here's the couple's message for other couples going through some of what they went through.

Speaking From Experience On How To Make It Work

The Grodskys went through a long-distance relationship. They believe that when you have gone through one, it makes you learn very rapidly the depth of caring that you have for the other person. As such, they value the time they spend together. Among the tips recommended for long-distance relationships to avoid infidelity is, that both parties from the beginning have a frank discussion about what they expect during that sort of relationship. Another is that you try to communicate regularly and creatively, and greet each other in the morning and at night. All this Matt and Laura did from the start. Now we know why their relationship survived!

Laying it all out, and telling their amazing life story.

"Do We Have A Tale To Tell You!"

Shortly after Scheel joined the Grodsky family, she sought to tell the wonderful tale about her husband and herself to the whole planet. It was then that Matt uploaded the touching details of their preschool experience on Instagram. He titled it, The Way We Met and also has been including the romantic tales from other couples about their own meeting. With Instagram reporting  800 million registered users in September 2017, many logging on via their mobile devices, the Grodskys have a really large target audience for their tale. The more than 29K likes to their Instagram account by June 20 is enough evidence that Laura's desire has been fulfilled.