There were fireworks in more ways than one on their first date two Fourth-of-Julys ago, and Matt Johnson and Brenda Gunderson are announcing their forthcoming marriage at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua on Saturday, July 25.

Matt and Brenda became engaged to be married on Sept. 19, 2014, on a beautiful late-summer day at the scenic overlook at Wildcat Mountain State Park.

Matt is the son of Ronald and Mary Johnson of Janesville. He is a graduate of Janesville Parker High School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in journalism and political science from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Matt has been a community journalist in Wisconsin since 1989 and has been the managing editor of the Vernon County Broadcaster in Viroqua since 2002.

Brenda is the daughter of Gary and Phyllis Bell of Gays Mills. She is a graduate of North Crawford High School, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Masters degree in Education-Professional Development from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. She is an art instructor at Viroqua Elementary School and director of the school’s CLASS after school program.

The couple have three children-Nathan Gunderson, who passed away in an automobile accident in 2010; Griffin Gunderson, a sophomore at Viroqua High School and Derek Johnson, a sophomore at Viroqua High School.

Matt, Brenda, Griffin and Derek make their home on Viroqua’s west side.

A reception will follow the wedding at the Cashton Village Hall.