Mike and Emily's love story is a tale as old as time -- if time started around 2010. They found each other thanks to the helping hand on the internet.

They had almost met through mutual friends a few months prior, which thankfully provided a reference point on the other person. Emily was skeptical and did her background research before deciding to start talking to Mike, who received glowing references from people she spoke to about him.

They had their first date on Jan. 2, 2023. Emily joked with her friends she would have to marry Mike because he told her where to park at the restaurant. She wasn't so interested after the date, giving Mike a 5/10. But she remembered her cheeks hurt from laughing so much and agreed to a second date.

The second date led to a third and everything changed. Mike planned a choose-your-own-adventure date that started at a bookstore. Mike thought Emily looked amazing carrying a stack of books in her arms. Emily was captured over dinner. She told Mike she is a worst-case scenario person. He asked how that shows up in dating. She explained how and Mike said just give me a chance and he promised to be steady and consistent with her. Emily went to the bathroom and texted her friends she was getting feelings.

Emily knew that night she had likely met the man she would marry. Mike had never believed the saying "when you know, you know." That changed in the first month of dating Emily.

They didn't care to waste time and dove into challenging conversations, reading, faith, interests, music, obstacles, goals and dreams. Emily set a tone of open honesty, showing grace and kindness in all moments. Mike showed up for Emily, just as he promised he would on that third date.

They built a relationship rooted in Jesus and commitment to each other, coming back to the table no matter what that meant. They found comfort in each other's communities and developed deeper community together.

Mike helps Emily embrace new experiences and try new things, reaching past her comfort zone. He is her safety. Emily brings order to Mike's chaos. She is his peace.

Emily defines all things beautiful to Mike. She wowed him with her unwavering commitment to being herself. He fell in love with her joy. Mike gives Emily the stability she craves.

Mike and Emily talked about getting engaged in the fall. Emily made it hard by being nosy, but Mike was determined to surprise her.

Mike orchestrated a fake double date on a Wednesday night, knowing Emily was not expecting a weekday proposal. He knew he could not have the ring on him so he had friends lined up to "run into" them downtown to deliver it. He talked to their favorite bookstore and let them know the plan.

On Oct. 11, they headed for the double date, which was canceled by the other couple at the last minute. Their friends were waiting on Market Square, distracting Emily while the ring was handed over. He suggested a stop at the bookstore while waiting for a table to open up at dinner. He proposed moments after Emily said she was going to look at the romance books because she needed more of that in her life.