Every couple has their own story. For Emily and Dan, it all started in a very 2021 kind of way—through a friend’s setup and a first date shaped by the pandemic.

It was April 2021. Thanks to the matchmaking skills of the best man Andrew; Emily and Dan met up for a first date at Tommy Fox's, an Irish pub in Bergenfield. They grabbed burgers, sat outside in the fresh air, and got to know each other—masked up, chatting, and eating one bite at a time.

That first date led to something that stuck. Right from the start, things just felt easy between them—lots of laughs, genuine conversation, and a real connection. Dan ended up being the first to say "I love you." Emily, caught off guard, replied in the most unexpected (and hilarious) way: "Thank you." She would eventually go on say it back one day down the shore.

Fast forward to October 2022—both of them went to different weddings that same weekend. Even though they were each surrounded by love and celebration, they realized something was missing: each other. That weekend kind of confirmed what they already felt—life was just better together.

On August 1st, 2023, Dan proposed in front of the Magic Kingdom Train Station at Disney World—a place that meant a lot to both of them. It wasn’t just a fun spot; it felt like the right one. Familiar, joyful, timeless—just like them.

The couple will now celebrate five years and many more on May 30th 2026.

E&D

Wedding Day