Our story, funny enough, is a lot like the hallmark movies that Emily loves to watch. I moved to Monticello for work into a little one bedroom apartment with my pup, Kingston. I was lavishly living the single guy life. Work, video games, sleep, repeat. As those that know me I can get a little loud, some may even say rowdy. I was surely not that loved by my neighbors. But with my boyish charm I won them over. One evening I was out working on my car and Zach was kind enough to ask if I needed any help. Luckily, it was a simple fix and we got to just chatting and he introduced me to his fiancée, Olivia, and invited me over for a game night. We’d hang out and go visit breweries and I’m so thankful for those memories and times we had.

As time went on I’d vent to them how lucky they were because the dating world is a NIGHTMARE. Olivia had the bright idea to try to set me up with her cousin. Their wedding was coming up and Olivia turned into quite the matchmaker. Setting up game nights and conveniently scheduling cookie pick ups when Emily would be over. The downside… Olivia had already told Emily how terrible her loud, rowdy, and obnoxious neighbor was! But with some smooth talking on my part and Emily’s grace to give me a chance we had our first date. The Iron Tap and hanging out on the T-Dock in Waconia. Olivia gave me all the tips and tricks to wow Emily on our date. As soon as the date was over Zach and Liv Facetimed me, right after their chat with Emily. I told them I thought it went well and would see where things would go as their wedding was coming up. I was hoping there was where I’d really sweep her off her feet!

The stage was set. Wonderful wedding venue, wedding party looking beautiful, me all jazzed up, and a night of dancing to carry us into the rest of our lives. Or so I thought. Emily avoided me for a good portion of the early evening, stressing to Olivia of how to break it to me that “You’re really great, but I only see you as a friend.” But when it was time to break the news she let me down easy, though she wasn’t easy on herself. Tears were shed and I told her it was fine! She gave me a shot and that was all I wanted. We did go on to dance the night away, although it was Taylor Swift and not me who swept her off her feet that night. We closed out the evening heading back to Zach and Olivia’s room and opened gifts and just chatted about how wonderful the night was until 2AM. The following morning came with the realization and sting of rejection. Oddly enough she added me on snapchat the following day and we began to talk from the moment we woke up, until we went to sleep. Good thing there were no mixed signals with THAT!! We continued to talk, and I put myself out there and went on another date. BOY OH BOY did Emily not like that. “Maybe I do like this guy a little bit!” she thought to herself as her heart sunk. So we continued to talk and she nicely asked how my date had gone. I said it was fine but not really a vibe (she wasn’t Emily). Eventually Emily “slipped up” and admitted she may have liked me as a little more than a friend.

We started to hang out more and more and eventually made things official on October 16th, 2023. Since then we have taken some big steps. We’ve moved in together, shared in the excitement and stress of adopting a new dog together but also the heart break of losing some of our furry friends. All those things have made us stronger and brought us closer together. Our engagement this summer started this next chapter in a place that was familiar, the T-Dock from our first date. Again with Zach and Olivia’s help, I was able to ask Emily to spend the rest of our lives together. Things have flown by since this summer and we’re so excited to share in our next step together with you. So be sure to bring your kleenex, and your dancing shoes. Because this is going to be night we’ll all never forget!!!