Jacob and Emily met in the final semester of college at Emory University. After being introduced over a game of pool at a senior night event, Jacob pulled his friend Chris aside to help coordinate a double date at a local Atlanta comedy club...Though the comedy show ended up being hilariously bad, Jacob and Emily hit it off! They spent the remainder of the semester playing tennis, cooking fun meals, and keeping each other company during late nights studying at the library.

Upon graduating, Jacob started his consulting position at EY in Chicago, IL while Emily began as an architectural intern at Klar & Klar Architects in Clearwater, FL. Despite the weeks apart, Jacob and Emily made the most of their long-distance relationship by making every visit a weekend to remember. Jacob showed Emily all the most beautiful architectural spots in his city, and Emily took Jacob to her favorite island beaches.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Emily was accepted to Georgia Institue of Technology for a Master's in Architecture. After a year of living apart, Jacob and Emily were elated for an opportunity to once again be in the same city!

Having acclimated to life in Atlanta, Jacob and Emily brought a sweet puppy into the mix. Jacob had always wanted a dog and thought Emily could use a little extra love and support during her challenging Graduate school years. Introducing Theo!!! Jacob ensured that Theo was a frequent visitor to the Architecture Studio, particularly during Emily's late nights.

Three years into their relationship, Jacob and Emily had participated in several of each other's family functions, but their families had yet to officially meet. Over the summer, Emily's mom, Sheila, invited the Ardis's to come visit for the first Dean + Ardis weekend! The two families had a blast getting to know one another over shared stories of Jacob and Emily's childhood, boat ride adventures on the Tampa Bay, and delicious meals.

The Thursday before Labor Day weekend, Emily arrived home after work to a note on the coffee table telling her to get ready for a special evening. A beautiful dress was set out for her and a private driver waited to take her to a surprise location. Upon arriving, the large entrance gates of the Swan House Mansion were opened and Jacob stood ready to greet Emily. Jacob guided Emily to a beautiful garden on the side of the mansion where years prior they had visited together. Jacob knelt down to propose, asking Emily to marry him, and through huge tears of joy Emily said...Yes!!!