Emily and Jon first met online, where Jon caught Emily’s attention with his (limited) knowledge of US Women’s soccer. Their first date was over a beer and a little healthy competition. Emily tried to rein in her competitive spirit while Jon won their first game of many. Over the next few dates, they learned about their shared interests, faith, and backgrounds, and realized there was something special about the other person. They officially started dating when Jon non-asked Emily to be his girlfriend during a walk with Reuben (Emily’s dog). She left the conversation 50% sure they were dating, and wasn’t 100% sure until Jon introduced her to his roommate by saying, “This is my girlfriend, Emily!” a few days later. She was grinning on the inside (and their communication has since improved).

The following months brought meeting each other’s family/friends, trips to family cabins, many adventures with Reuben, playing “It Takes Two”, cross country skiing, finding delicious food and drink spots around the city, making meals at home, Emily dominating Jon in all things racquet-sports, and overall becoming best friends. Katie (Emily’s sister), dubbed this period the “Jon-athon”.

Jon proposed to Emily during a picnic on the Chain of Lakes after a morning of kayaking. Jon had secretly planned a family get together to celebrate afterwards. This most recent chapter of their lives has been spent growing while apart as Jon moved to La Crosse, WI to begin his family medicine residency. They can’t wait to live in the same place again and to begin married life together, and are so looking forward to celebrating with all of you!