Our story begins at Marquette University in 2018. We both enjoyed our first semester in college, unknowing the other existed. At the beginning of our second semester as freshman, we found each other.

The first day we met, was the day it was -56 degrees and classes were cancelled. We spent the entire day chatting, even after Steven's cheesy pick up line and the rest is history.

We spent all of sophomore year by each others side, until COVID-19 separated us both at home, Emma in KY and Steven in NC. Eventually Emma went to NC to nanny Steven's cousins. That summer, they spent most of their time together at Bald Head Island. This is where we found our common love for fishing, boating, and beaching.

Once Junior year began at Marquette, things looked different. What was time spent with others, became time spent together. The friends we had became family and some of our fondest memories were made.

During our Senior year, we got our sweet dog, Ruby. In May 2022, we both walked the stage at graduation. Although we started at Marquette apart, we ended together.

After graduation, Emma taught in Milwaukee for a year while Steven finished his degree. We decided to move to North Carolina in 2023 as Steven found a great job. Steven lived in NC while Emma finished the school year in WI. We now live in Weaverville and are enjoying our time in the mountains renovating our new home.

Steven proposed at Bald Head Island while fishing after he built Emma a hot pink fishing rod, her favorite color. This has been a place where we have reunited after long months apart and a place where both find peace and enjoyment together.

What began as strangers, eventually became friends, and now family. Summers spent apart became summers spent together. A mutual love for animals turned into our small family. Emma and Steven grew from college kids to dog parents to young adults. We are excited for our next chapter, marriage. We want to thank all of our friends and families who have supported us since the beginning. We truly cannot wait to celebrate this special day with all of you!