Our Story

On a beautiful campus called Elon College we first met in 1999. We were both in the service fraternity named Alpha Phi Omega. Emily was dating a friend of ours and after a time that relationship ended, but the friendship stayed. Later Emily met a nice guy named Mike and they had a great relationship. Sadly, Mike was killed in a car accident. After speaking with our fellow Fraternity brothers, Alex set up a date for Valentine’s Day. Alex learned all Emily liked to eat and surprised her with a homemade meal, with some guidance from his mom, which we shared during exam week. The company was wonderful, and the meal was pretty good. We went on a second date to see Men of Honor and then for a drive around campus. Alex confessed how he felt about her, but knowing she was still hurting from the loss of Mike he understood when she decided a friendship was what we could have. It was tough, but Alex still loved and respected her decision. We stayed friends and as we were both also religion majors enjoyed the time we got to spend together.

Emily went on to Union-PSCE in Richmond, and Alex went on to Clemson University. Alex received his 2 Master’s in Counseling: Community and Educational and Emily received her 2 Masters: Masters of Divinity and Masters in Christian Education. After graduating she married a fellow student there. In 2006 Alex eventually made his way up to Union-PSCE to seek his master’s in divinity to apply to his counseling as a pastoral counselor. Unknowingly at the time, he also wanted to check on Emily as he had heard she was married and wondered if she was ok. For one year Alex was a student while Emily worked for the seminary. Then Emily moved away to serve in a church. After coming to understand that Alex did not fit in at the seminary and as well as his other reason to stay was not there, Alex moved away to Edenton.

Alex had started writing Christmas cards while at Union-PSCE feeling that those that did not get to go home for the holidays could use a kind message. He continued this practice and still does to this day. Of course he wrote to Emily and her husband each year. He wondered what their life was like, but that he had to move on with his life too. After a few relationships Alex learned some valuable life lessons and better ways to communicate with others on top of his counseling work. Alex feels these lessons are treasures that he will greatly appreciate and apply in our marriage.

Emily served a church in Virginia for 6 years and then moved to Winston-Salem where she serves St. Andrews. Just after moving, she had 2 beautiful girls, Anna and Susan. But her marriage was falling apart. After trying everything she could, separation and divorce were her only way to move forward in a positive way. Each Christmas during her contentious divorce and the years following, a Christmas card would come to the church, signed Alex. It came addressed to both Emily and her ex. She would carry the card around in her bag, thinking, “I should really correct him on the ex-part.” But it wasn’t until 2022 that she decided this would be the year to correct Alex and reconnect with him in a more meaningful way. So she wrote him back.

Alex quickly responded to her note, and we set up a date at Mid-town dessertery. We talked for hours and caught up. A few dates later, we took a trip up to Blowing Rock and spent the day together. It was a wonderful time, and the company was one again a treasure. After we got back to her home, since Alex had not attempted to kiss her at Blowing Rock, sitting in her driveway Emily decided to make a move. She asked, “Alex can I kiss you?” My response was “I have waited 19 years for you to ask that question!” and we embraced.

After several more dates and adventures: attending Les Mis, going to the beach, the lake and other travels, Alex took her back to Blowing Rock one more time. He had a plan.

Alex tells the story best: Mom and I had put together the perfect ring for her starting on May 16th and it was completed on June 1st. We had gotten diamonds from one of my Dad’s mom’s ring to make the wedding band, and used the diamonds from one of Mom’s rings along with a moissanite gemstone for the engagement ring. These rings would be from both sides of the family and unique. The stone being blue green represented each of us as her birthstone was an emerald and mine is a blue star sapphire. So, combining these two colors in one gemstone truly made us a dyad.

On June 30th at Blowing Rock I asked a family of visitors to videotape us, and I gave her the video I had made on June 1st when I was putting the rings together. After she heard these words, I got down and attempted to ask her if she wanted to spend her life with me as I wanted to do so with her. However, as I got the first words out she shouted YES! And I continued asking as she kept saying YES!. She was completely surprised until the words in the video left no doubt as to my intentions.

So, here we are. Two families getting ready to be one. We can only imagine the joys and future adventures we will get to share together.