Follow closely: Erin Pedersen went to graduate school with a girl who was dating a guy who worked with a guy that went to undergrad with Matt Anderson. So, when her friend invited her to trivia night, the menagerie of people got together and Erin was introduced to Matt. An aspiring opera singer, Erin “really knows music, which is an area our team was weak in,” recalls an impressed Matt. A few get-togethers later and “I got a ride home with Matt,” says Erin, entertained by how he finagled an invite to her birthday party.

Three months into their relationship they found themselves in a music store purchasing the new Beck album. On the drive home they popped in the CD and “when we got to the second track, we both got really quiet,” explains Erin, sharing the intrinsic first line: “I think I’m in love, but it makes me kinda nervous to say so.” After that it became difficult to hide their feelings and by the following Thanksgiving Matt had his family’s approval and his late grandmother’s ring in hand.

Following midnight mass on Christmas Eve, where Matt surreptitiously clenched the ring in his pocket, he decided that “now is my chance.” With common knowledge that Erin’s father “is terrible at keeping secrets,” Matt cornered him last minute for a quick “of course,” then snagged Erin and led her out to the deck of her family’s Texas home. Mid bear hug Erin “noticed that his heart was beating really quickly.” Before she could figure out why, Matt asked her to marry him. An astounded Erin blurted, “Are you kidding me?” trumped by, “wait, I mean yes.”

As the saying “third time’s the charm” goes, the same can be said for Erin and Matt’s wedding. After inadvertently getting double booked for their Boston venue, “undeterred, we looked at a renovated warehouse space,” remembers Erin. But just two months before the big day, they went out of business. The couple remembered the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, where they had a catering tasting, and “it turned out to be the perfect place for us,” smiles Erin.

Outfitted with her something old ring, something new shoes, something borrowed wedding gown, and something blue nailpolish, Erin and Matt married on the lawn where their dog, Buck, was acting ring bearer sans the rings. Turns out it was a smart choice because when he reached the altar, Buck kept going “straight to some bushes and peed on them,” divulges Matt. When attention reconvened on the couple they exchanged vows that celebrated “our love and commitment,” says Erin.

Guests were allowed to tour the museum during cocktail hour where a signature drink and passed hors d’oeuvres preluded a family-style reception. “The cars were the perfect backdrop for dinner and dancing,” notes Erin. Of course the night would not be complete without a personal touch: “Matt really loves video games and I really love music,” quips Erin about their decision to play Rock Band. “We thought it could be a really fun way for our guests to interact.” Matt agrees: “I just knew Erin throwing down on drums in a wedding dress would be epic.” When the night ended, “the intrepid few who still had some party in them” continued on, says Erin.

“A modern unconventional couple,” describes Matt, “we actually took our honeymoon before we got married.” Erin’s sister was completing a semester abroad in South Africa, so the couple headed to the Rainbow Nation where they swam with sharks, toured vineyards and indulged Erin’s foodie instincts. Like the outlook for their future together, they ended their trip on the Cape of Good Hope.