Meet the Finalists: Matt & Alana
Matt and Alana are another couple in the running for our Luxury for Less wedding giveaway. These two have such a cute story!!
This music teacher met his social worker bride when they were both cast in a musical called “The Spitfire Grill” put on by the Not So Common Players in Clifton Park. Music theater is a big part of who Matt and Alana are as a couple, so it only makes sense for their proposal to be themed that way. Check out this adorable video.
When I asked Matt when he realized that Alana was the one, he said “Of course there are the obvious answers, because I love her, because she is beautiful inside and out, because she trusts and supports me in all that I do. But there is something more than her amazing qualities that make her “the one”. Simply put it’s that I can’t live without her. It’s when I realized that I can’t envision any future for myself in which she isn’t by my side.”
Their dream day includes, of course, the musical theater theme, maybe in the form of karaoke. They also really want to make it personal, a family friend making the cake, another family friend as the officiant, and Alana’s two Jack Russell Terriers in the mix somewhere.
When asked why they deserve to win this wedding, Matt said “Alana and I have many great things in our lives. We have loving, supportive families and so many wonderful friends. We’re fortunate enough to both have jobs and to be able to provide ourselves with an apartment, food and all that is essential. We’d really love to have our “dream wedding,” but it is beyond our means to do all that we want. We need to think about the future and cannot put ourselves in debt, even if that means cutting a lot of corners in our planning. It would mean so much for us to be able to do all that we want – especially to be able to invite all of our loved ones. There are people in this world who are much less fortunate and we can’t, in good conscience, say that we deserve it more than anyone else. However, we’d like to think that we’re good, caring, hard-working people and that we deserve it at least as much as anyone else.”
Alana and Matt are two of the nicest and most caring people I know. They’ve always put others’ needs first. Anyone who knows them knows they really deserve a special wedding day like this. Beside the fact they really love one another, winning this wedding package would make all the difference for them. Without it, they were planning a bare-bones wedding. They knew this meant not being able to invite some very special people in their lives, including some people instrumental in their first meeting. In order to cut costs as much as possible, some of their friends have even offered to provide services, such as making the cake and taking photos. If they win this contest, it will allow them to realize a dream.
I love this couple! I hope you win!
Yay Matt and Alana!! These two give so much of their lives to help those around them… it is time for them to receive!! Matt and Alana deserve this sooo much!!!
Such a melodic couple.
May you may beautiful music together for years to come.’
Christine
They are just the sweetest couple. I’ve never seen two people who are more in love then them…at least not in real life. And they deserve to have their dream day, they truly do. I hope everyone votes for them because they should have everything that want and need and more. I wish nothing but the best for these two. Always. They are just too cute!
When you see these two together you just know it’s right. They both help so many people in their jobs and their personal lives. They deserve something really special. I know they’ve had to cut way back on their guest list (weddings are expensive!) but it would be so nice if they could invite more people to their special day! These guys are great! Please vote for them!
I vote for them to win!
You can see how much these two belong together, on and off the stage.
I met Matt and Alana a little over a year ago when we did a show together. They are incredibly talented, gracious people and I admire them so much.
Without going into details of their professional lives, they both, selflessly help others in ways that take very special people to be able to do.
They already have a combined family, both his and her parents, that I would have to say are their biggest fans in EVERYTHING they do,
I remember on the morning of the proposal, I came home from work to an instant message from Matt’s mom that said, I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!
Please, vote for this amazing couple. They deserve it because of the wonderful people that they are. They are lucky to have found each other and together, they put smiles on other people’s faces.
I watched Alana grow up to a lovely young woman who is very caring and gives of herself daily. I vote for Alan and Mike to win.
Alana and Matt are some of the sweetest, kindest, most caring and most talented people I know! They really deserve to win their dream wedding. Please spread the word and help them win. GO ALANA AND MATT! 🙂
Don’t forget….if you want to vote for a couple you will need to visit http://www.dreamdateweddings.com/contest/ to cast your vote. Leaving a comment does not count as a vote so visit the site today!
Good Luck!
I’m sure all 5 couples are very nice people but my understanding is one of the main criteria is voting on the most creative and compelling video. It also seems that a lot of mention has been made about the various “hardships” each couple has faced. I know for a fact that Alana and Matt have faced their share too – they just choose not to dwell on it or even mention it in their profile. Personally, I wish each of the 5 couples the best of luck and I’m sure all the couples are nice and all have faced hardship, so I’m voting solely for the most creative and memorable video, which was the original point of the contest. Just my two cents.
I would like to ‘dislike’ the previous comment by USBAJS. Thank you every much. Just my two cents. 😉
I second the motion made by “Hardship.” In reading the criteria; the video submission was supposed to say WHY you should win, not that you have certain talents or the ability to post a perfectly polished transmission. I disagree with you, “USBAJS” because those “hardships” you speak of are in some cases, the reason that people become who they are, and possibly the reason that they met the love of their lives.
These two are a great couple. They both do so much for others, especially children . How fortunate for two such caring people to have met and fallen in love!
It was so cute how they met in the theater community. Everyone knew they were meant for each other before they did – or at least before they were willing to admit it. And then the way he proposed! This has got to be the most romantic guy ever!
They both have so much love for their family and friends – they have touched the lives of so many. I know they want to share their special day with ALL of them, but that is such a financial challenge.
I wish Matt & Alana and all the couples the best of luck with this contest. They all seem like very special people and so lucky to have found love with each other. No matter what kind of wedding, location or number of guests, I’ve no doubt each of these couples will have marriages filled with the love and happiness they are all so deserving of.
What a cute down to earth couple. Loved the video. Best of luck to you both – you got my vote!
Having known Matt for about 22 years, I can honestly say I’ve never seen him more “himself” than when he’s with Alana. They truly bring something special out in each other. They capture and elevate the best of each other, and that’s refreshing to see.
MATT AND ALANA ARE VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE. THEY ARE KIND, GENEROUS AND VERY LOVING TO ALL THEY MEET.
I WANT THEM TO WIN THIS FABULOUS WEDDING BECAUSE THEY DESERVE IT AND BECAUSE THEY HAVE PRESENTED THE BEST45 SEC VIDEO!
What a cute video! You’ve got my vote!
Good luck to you both. Loved your 45-second video, your background profile and the super-romantic video of your engagement. You have my vote.
I loved this video! Congratulations, Matt and Alana. You have already “won” by finding each other, living lives of kindness and service, and planning a joyful wedding with clear priorities. I hope you win this dream wedding, but either way I know you will have a wonderful day and life together.
Hello fellow finalist-
Although we all have the same goal in mind which is WINNING THE CONTEST :-), I just wanted to take a moment to say, “It was truly a pleasure meeting you.” Throughout any of life’s experiences, I always enjoy meeting new people. This is one experience that is truly a blast for us!
Even though we were all very nervous, I think its safe to say that the radio experience was fun and exciting! Have fun & best wishes with your nuptials!
Love the video and LOVE these two people …they are so deserving of this… For those of you who do not know them, both are truly sweet human beings and are going forward with a life together that includes love for each other and love for others that extends beyond. And it is all sincere,honest and without pretense. As Bridget(above) has said ..they are already winners. But would be awesome for them to have their dream wedding.
Loved the video. You guys are too cute and obviously madly in love with each other. Best of luck. Hope you win!
Matt,
I loved your proposal!!!! So creative and romantic! I’M VOTING!!!!!
Good luck and congratulations!
Jeanne
Best of luck to you guys! I absolutely love your proposal video. You’ve got my vote 🙂
Great video and good luck! I’m voting!
Shellie
two wonderful people deserve a beautiful wedding i really hope they win!
they are indeed the most giving young couple i know and to recieve such a gift would be the world to them.good luck!
Good Luck to a great couple!
Good luck to Matt and Alana!
You are GREAT together!
What an adorable couple. Very down to earth, and like the neat family next door. You have my vote and best luck in havinf your dream wedding!
I have known Matt for many years and have never seen him happier then when he meet Alana. They are 2 of the most generous and and easy going people I know. It would be so nice if they won this contest. They deserve it in my opinion. Also their video was best in my opinion!
BTW that’s me in the background of their picture with a hat on hailing a taxi… =)
Good Luck!
Hi! I love you guys! I really hope you win because no one deserves it more than you! Alana I know we’ve only met a few times, but Mr. Streifert loves you, so that must mean that you are absolutely wonderful. I wish you guys all the best!
Love,
Jenny
P.S. Mr. S, I miss you as my chorus teacher. You are, without a doubt, my most favorite teacher of all time and the coolest!
This is awesome! I have my fingers and toes crossed! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness! 🙂
Congratulations and Best Wishes! You guys did all that singing then clammed up when they announced you were the winner? LOL Although I wish we had won of course, I’m sure that you two are very deserving of such a magnificient prize! Also, its very nice to hear that you can have a summer wedding and take in all the landscaping, etc. that Glen Sanders has to offer. I thought you had to pick one of the Dream Dates listed, which honestly made me freak out a little bit 🙂 anyhoo……ENJOY!!!!