We originally met on Connor's 18th birthday, but we got to know each other on a lake house trip through a mutual friend.

Our first date was to a six flags. Connor did not know that Emily was deathly afraid of heights and did not judge when she cried on the tall ones.

After a great summer, we decided we cared too much about each other to not try long distance. Connor started at The University of Alabama and 8 hours away, Emily started at the University of Kentucky.

We always put in efforts to attend each other's date parties and events. It was not always easy, but we always made it work!

We got each other through our hardest times by making the other laugh and promising to never stop trying to understand each other's view.

Our favorite date spot in Alabama was the Birmingham Zoo. Tadpole the hippo was always our favorite (RIP Tadpole 1978-2020).

Nashville was our meet up city, as it was half way between our schools. We have great memories of hockey games, playing with Emily's cousin Chole, and visiting friends and family.

We stayed close despite the distance by writing lots of letters, calling every day, and watching lots of Survivor over facetime.

We got the best of Basketball and Football seasons between our two schools and have so many great game day memories.

The pandemic gave us some time together while school was online. We got a great opportunity to spend time with family and each other during a very hard time.

Halloweens were always our favorite! Connor always put up with Emily's "vision."

Snow days kept Connor trapped up North on several occasions.

We gradated college in 2021! Connor graduated from UA in the Spring with a degree in Criminal Justice. Emily graduated in the Fall with a degree in Nursing.

Connor moved to Lexington to work in sales while Emily worked at the UK Hospital as a Behavioral Health RN.

While looking for someone to keep Connor company while working at home, we found Ladybug! She is now Connor's secretary and neck warmer.

Connor Proposed to Emily on a trip to Barcelona, Spain. Not pictured: the naked beach goers (Connor did not know most European beaches are nude beaches). Photoshop is magical.

Emily and Connor had a wonderful cruise with family after their engagement. We enjoyed amazing food, fun dancing, and beautiful architecture throughout Italy, Spain, and France.