Matt and Abby Howard, both prominent content creators, have revisited their early relationship dynamics in a recent episode of their podcast, ‘Unplanned.’ The couple, who first embarked on their journey together as high school sweethearts before marrying in 2019 while still in college, hosted Abby’s mother, Lori, for a candid discussion, shared via their YouTube channel on May 20.
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During the episode, the trio reflected on the initial hesitance Lori expressed towards her daughter’s engagement to Matt. At the time, Matt and Abby were just 19 and navigating their college lives, which raised concerns for Lori about altering their family structure too soon. To voice her worries, she enlisted the help of several married couples from her community and church, aiming to offer guidance to the young couple.
Matt shared a light-hearted account of Lori’s efforts, describing how she seemingly assembled a sort of ‘don’t-get-married Avengers’ team. The objective was to dissuade the high school sweethearts from rushing into marriage. “You had all these married couples sharing their perspectives, cautioning us about the realities of marriage. They were concerned about finances and the many sacrifices that come with marriage,” he explained.
However, Matt recalls a twist when the couples Lori had summoned ended up inadvertently endorsing their relationship instead. “We went out for tacos with one of the couples, and at some point, one of the guys remarked, ‘Honestly, it’s pretty fantastic,'” said Matt. “At that moment, Abby and I looked at each other and thought, ‘Well, this isn’t what Lori had in mind!'”
Abby added a humorous take on the advice they received during these meetings. “One memorable piece of advice was the notion that you ‘can’t be selfish anymore’ once you’re married,” she chuckled. “We wondered if that was the goal we were meant to strive for—lifelong selflessness!”
Surprisingly, as the couple grew in their relationship and ultimately tied the knot, Lori’s stance shifted. She eventually came around and embraced their union when Matt and Abby celebrated their marriage in 2019. Following their wedding, the couple decided to make social media a focal point of their professional lives, leveraging their experiences and personalities to gain a substantial online following.
As they navigated their post-marriage life, the couple welcomed two sons, Griffin aged three and August aged two. They reveal not only their successes but also the struggles they faced, including a heart-wrenching pregnancy loss. In March 2026, they shared the joyful news that they were expecting a rainbow baby, later confirming they were having a boy.
The candid discussions on ‘Unplanned’ not only allow the trio to bond over shared experiences but also provide insight into the realities of young love, family dynamics, and personal growth. Through laughter and shared anecdotes, they demonstrate a supportive environment where questions and uncertainties are welcomed, further endearing them to their audience.
As they continue to share their lives with followers, Matt and Abby strive to balance their roles as parents with the demands of their careers. By opening up about their journey, they aim to engage their audience in meaningful dialogue around relationships, parenting, and the ups and downs of life.
In essence, the Howard’s narrative is one of resilience and adaptability, showcasing that while the path to marriage and parenthood can be fraught with challenges, love and support ultimately prevail. Their story, filled with both nostalgia and humour, serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexities inherent in building a life together from a young age.