Jacob and Emily’s journey began in 2016 at a surprise birthday party Emily organized for a mutual friend. Despite attending different universities—Jacob at the University of Kentucky and Emily at Bellarmine University—their paths crossed that night, sparking a connection that would last for years.

Over time, life took them in different directions, but they always stayed in touch. In 2022, Jacob and Emily realized there was something more between them and decided to take a chance on love. Thus began their long-distance relationship, with Emily living in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jacob in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The miles between them only strengthened their bond, and on May 4, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky—coinciding with the excitement of the Kentucky Derby—Jacob proposed to Emily, marking the start of their next chapter together.

In July of that year, Emily packed up her life and made a cross-country move to join Jacob in Flagstaff, where they now share their first home together. Their journey has been filled with adventure, love, and a few long flights, and they can’t wait to celebrate the next step with you all.