A West Chester University graduate school alum and Coatesville teacher tied the knot in Bala Cynwyd, but their love story begins in a Saint Joseph’s University math class, writes Kellie Patrick Gates for The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

It was August of 2009 when Melanie Solano sat next to Matt Parsons in class. At the time, Solano had a boyfriend and didn’t have many other classes with Parsons who was in a different major.  

They fell out of communication during grad school, when Parsons decided to go to West Chester.  

It wasn’t until 2019 that the couple reconnected. Parsons was looking to get his teacher’s certificate, so he reached out to Solano, who taught in Springfield and Coatesville for advice.  

Parsons proposed to her at the very place they met, Saint Joseph’s University. For the wedding, Solano planned a special reception for all the children that she had previously taught.  

The adult’s reception was at Radnor Valley Country Club in Villanova, where West Chester University’s mascot Rammy, and Saint Joe’s Hawk made surprise appearances. 

Solano has since completed her Ed.D and has rightfully earned the title of Dr. Melanie Parsons. She and Parsons eventually plan to buy a house.  

Read more about this love story and to see photos of the wedding visit The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

West Chester’s Rammy through the years.