One word to describe Emily and Joe’s story? “Old-school” … (Okay, maybe two words).

Introduced to each other by Joe’s cousin and Emily’s friend, Katie, their journey began on a warm evening in late June. Sharing not only their love of their respective sports (baseball and swimming), but also a love for animals (dogs, cats, turtles, you name it– they’ve geeked about it) and pride in their family, Emily and Joe found themselves drawn to each other as they ended their Junior year of high school.

At (Katie’s sister) Nicole's high school graduation party, Emily and Joe spent the better part of their night circling one another, their mutual shyness keeping them at arm's length. Yet, as the night came to a close and most people went home, Joe mustered the courage to ask Emily out on a date, to which she agreed right away.

As Joe packed his bags for Brevard College in North Carolina, Emily moved up north for SUNY Plattsburgh. They decided to give long distance a try, calling each other almost daily, or chatting on FaceTime, which bridged the physical distance between them. Every little moment together during semester breaks was cherished as if it were their last.

Post-grad, Joe devoted himself to law enforcement and Emily found her calling as a nonprofit department director in Asheville, North Carolina. With Ollie, Emily's childhood cat, and a new puppy named Misiu, they, with their little family, were under one roof, at last.

Emily and Joe feel a profound sense of peace, joy, and gratitude. Their story, woven together by resilience, trust and devotion, is one in which they both take great pride. They are so excited to share their life together forever, and are thankful for the family and friends who have supported their journey.