Matthew and Angela

Learning to dance

They actually met years earlier, on the dance floor. “His mom and I were trying to figure out how long they’ve known each other,” explained Angela’s mom, Leah. “They’ve been dancing together for about 8 to 10 years.” Both are members of the Adaptive Dance Classes at Holly’s Dance Studio and Mentorship in Farmington, Minnesota, learning all varieties of dancing during weekly classes.

But they each viewed the purpose of the activity as dance instruction, not as an opportunity to meet a potential dating partner. “They seemed to have compartmentalized their lives,” said Leah. “She didn’t really talk to him.”

Learning about Find Love Safely

The couple’s moms, Leah and Kristine, have also known each other for many years and are both involved in organizations such as the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota, and events such as Night to Shine, an annual prom for people with special needs.

The moms were chatting at the Night to Shine event, and Leah asked, “Is Matthew going to that speed dating event next week? I was thinking about signing up Angela.” His mom Kristine said she had just learned about it and was thinking the same thing. Then she asked, “How come these two never connected? They’ve been dancing together for years.” Leah replied, “I don’t know, because they’re a lot alike. They have very similar interests.”

So, the moms signed them up for the Find Love Safely speed dating event and agreed they would all go and see what happens …

Sparks fly at the Speed-Dating Event

At the event, Leah and Kristine sat next to each other, just waiting to see what would happen with their kids. The female members remained seated while the men stood up and rotated to the next chair. When Matthew sat down across from Angela, “They both lit up!” said Leah. “And he leaned way across the table and looked our way. It was just adorable. And we both thought, oh, this is interesting.”

Angela’s first thought about Matthew was, “He’s really handsome.” And Matthew’s impression of Angela: “She’s cute. I thought she was fun.” They both were excited to see each other, and took advantage of the opportunity. “There was a backdrop for people to take photos, and most people were taking pictures with their guardians. But these two kicked us out and took pictures together,” said Leah.

First date at Applebees

The couple’s first date was dinner at Applebee’s, Angela’s favorite restaurant. They both enjoy going to restaurants together and trying different foods. When they left Applebee’s and went outside to go home, Matthew kissed Angela for the first time. Matthew also joined Angela and her family at Angela’s birthday party.

Matthew and Angela attended a formal dance hosted by River Valley Project Explore, a program for adults with physical and developmental cognitive disabilities that encourages inclusion in learning, social, and recreational community activities.
And Matthew and Angela went on a double date with Matthew’s friend and girlfriend. The couples went bowling and then out to dinner.

Leah said the couple is looking forward to summer and being able to do more activities together. “They have miniature golf coming up, and they plan to go hiking.”

Strong connection

When Matthew and Angela are on dates, “They’re very in-tune to each other,” said Leah. “They constantly look out for each other … do you need this? Do you need that?” Asked what she has learned about herself, Angela said, “You have to listen to the other person. It’s not all about you.”

Matthew is excited to have someone to do stuff with and have fun. Kristine said, “It’s nice to see him be happy and excited and wanting to date. When they’re together, they talk and snuggle and are very affectionate.”

And how does the couple feel about each other? Angela smiled and chuckled, “He calls me Hot Lips.”