Matt asked Emily on their first date— they went to Cabo Fish Taco and sat talking for over four hours. The waitress had to tell them to leave because they stayed so long.

Two weeks later, Matt asked Emily to be his girlfriend. Emily obviously said yes.

By the end of first semester, they had already met each other's families and were pretty much attached at the hip.

By the Time graduation rolled around, Matt and Emily both got job offers in the D.C. area and decided to take the leap and move in together— after dating for only six months. Thanks to their parents for being super cool about that.

Their first apartment was on the 9th floor of a high rise in Alexandria. It was stupid expensive but they were happy and in love. Matt cooked all the meals, Emily bought every scented candle she could, and Boomer whined at everything.

They took advantage of D.C.'s great nightlife and went out with friends and bought concert tickets as often as they could. Their bank accounts did not agree with this method but they had a great time. <3

Itching to get out of D.C., they frequently visited family and friends in Roanoke for fun weekends. Even though they liked the D.C. area, they missed the mountain air.

After a year of apartment living, they rented a small house in Annandale to give Boomer the big yard he deserved. Matt loves to cook and Emily loves to host, so they had friends over as much as possible for weekly Bachelor watch parties, wine nights, Friendsgiving and Christmas parties, cookouts and more. They loved the little house so much!

In March, Matt and Emily decided to leave NOVA for one of their happy places— Roanoke. They bought their first home (which was stressful but exciting) and moved in over Memorial Day Weekend. They definitely knew they were made for each other after moving three times in two years and not biting each other's heads off. <3

Even amidst the moving craziness and Matt starting a new job in Roanoke, they had the best summer ever with their friends. They even got to cross a bucket-list concert off their list in Charleston when they saw Tyler Childers together.

Matt popped the question on September 24th in Emily's grandma's backyard (where they are getting married)! Emily was oblivious and had no idea what was going on. She sobbed like a maniac and said yes (of course).

They've spent the last few weeks celebrating with friends and family, and are already elbow-deep in planning! They can't wait to celebrate their special day with you. <3