At the University of Virginia, Hamlet and Emma's paths certainly crossed, but only as friends. Graduating and moving to a new city—New York City— would provide a different stage, one in which they reconnected a year after Hamlet's move and began going on dates almost immediately.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Emma and Hamlet were sad to part from each other in New York as they retreated back to their home states for a few months. However, frequent FaceTimes and Netflix Party sessions only intensified their spark. Then, during an iconic reunion trip to Sandbridge Beach, their relationship was made official during a golden hour stroll along the beach.

Emma decided to take a second gap year, granting them more time together in NYC. When Emma started medical school in Chapel Hill, long-distance became the theme. But not for long; Hamlet soon moved to Chapel Hill. Together again, they adopted a golden retriever puppy named Louie.

On a highly anticipated trip to France, Hamlet planned to propose on their first night in Paris. A sudden thunderstorm threatened the plan but cleared up just in time. Under the now-clear sky with the Eiffel Tower shining in the background, Hamlet proposed, taking Emma by complete surprise.

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Today, they are not just two UVA alumni or former NYC explorers. They are partners and soon to be husband and wife.

Join them as they embark on their next chapter.

And as for Louie, he's thrilled to soon be the flower-dog at the wedding of his favorite humans.