Emily and Korbin had a classic, but unexpected meeting at their home church, Northwest Gospel Church, thanks to Korbin’s dad, Kevin. Although the couple had their own ideas of how they would meet their “person,” they are so thankful for this version that unfolded.

After chatting with Kevin, Emily invited Korbin to join her community group. She was out of town to Michigan a few times during this season, so they didn’t get to talk further until a few weeks later (thanks to the men of the group for making Korbin feel welcomed so he’d stick around those first few weeks!)

A quiet and awkward first conversation between the couple threw Emily off, but motivated Korbin to get closer. Apparently it is a hard task to ask someone on a date while at community group with 20+ people around, so Korbin opted for a text. He was hit with the classic, “maybe we should get to know each other in community group first” from Emily.

Korbin’s determination eventually prevailed, and while on her next trip to Michigan, she realized that she was really interested in talking to him more. They had a lunch date soon after she returned to Washington, and that turned into a dinner with Korbin’s brother and sister-in-law (two dates in one day!).

It didn’t take long for the couple to realize how well they complemented each other - Emily being an extrovert and Korbin being an introvert. Emily came to love Korbin’s quiet mannerisms, and Korbin knew that Emily was the woman of God he wanted to spend his life with. The relationship became official over Thai food after just a couple of weeks of dating.

The couple spent their first holiday season together meeting each other’s families and spending time doing lots of activities together. Korbin joined Emily on her family’s annual Christmas tree hunt (peep the first selfie!). Emily joined Korbin’s family at The Grotto to see the Christmas lights, and they even saw a proposal there (foreshadowing!?).

There were lots of monumental moments that happened in the next couple of months - Korbin met Emily’s little sister, lots of family birthday parties, Emily bought a house, and her mom, Sharon, came to visit! During all of these fun moments, Korbin was quietly planning his proposal.

The first sunny day of Sharon’s visit, Korbin took them out to do some Portland sightseeing. Being the sly guy he is, Korbin took Emily & Sharon to some proposal sights they had been talking about, including The Grotto (remember the Christmas lights?) They joked a bit about Korbin thinking it was a “bland” proposal spot, and Emily fought back with why she thought it was a great proposal spot. That’s all Korbin needed to hear, and he got down on one knee and asked for her hand.

Of course, Emily’s first response was “this is not happening right now,” then she managed to get through the shock, and respond with “absolutely yes.”

Emily and Korbin are incredibly excited to be engaged! They continue to strengthen their relationship, and learn more about each other while planning their wedding.