Pete and Emily met back in January 2018. Emily was in graduate school at UT. Pete was finishing up at Maryville College. They met through mutual friends and went to dinner for their first date on January 26, 2018.

Emily and Pete went to her parents' lake house for her spring break in March 2023. Emily was completely surprised (note the neon nails) when Pete asked her to marry him on the morning of March 11. She was also surprised by all of their family, who traveled from Knoxville, Nashville, Maryland, and Cary to celebrate! It was such a special time at such a meaningful place!