Our story started way back in 2013. Our schools had just recently merged and brought us together. 8th grade basketball games were played in Le Center where Emma would bring her friends to watch Marty play. Now skip ahead to 9th grade. We would pick on each other in the halls and leave snacks for one another in their lockers. 09/27/2014 was our first “homecoming dance” together. It was where we had our first kiss and later in the night Marty asked the famous words, “Will you be my girlfriend?”. This turned into late night talks and shortly after turned into “Hey mom can you bring me to Marty’s house?”.

We were young and we still had to learn how to be in a relationship, but we both knew that we wanted to be with each other. As time went on, we did almost everything together, whether that was late night ice cream runs or homework at one another’s house. We made a lot of memories the past 11 years. It didn’t matter what sport it was we always knew that the other would be there to support.

After high school we decided to challenge ourselves and attend different colleges. Emma decided to stay close and go to Minnesota State University Mankato and Marty decided to move to Duluth and attend St. Scholastica. I think the both of us put on more miles on the weekends than we did all week from driving back and forth to see each other. In 2022 our college journey was coming to an end and we were looking forward to living close to each other again.

In September of 2023 we decided to take the next step and move in together. I think if you ask either of us, we would say it feels like home. Shortly after, Marty decided to plan a trip to Stillwater and throw in some surprises. 11/11/2023 was the date that changed our lives (even though it was a long time coming). Since then, it has been a lot of love and laughter in our house, along with some stressful planning.

We have learned a lot about each other the past 11 years and still continue to grow closer every day. If we could go back in time and tell our 8th grade selves one piece of advice it would be;

Marty- Don’t be shy around Emma, open up to her, love her, and cherish every moment together.

Emma- Live each day in the moment, be grateful for even the little things, and love unconditionally.

We are so excited to share our big day with all of our friends and family. With love, Emma and Marty.