Emma's Story:

I was so fortunate to grow up watching two people love each other more than anything. My parents (Seth and Nikki Poole) have constantly shown my brother and I what a true partnership looks like, and to me, that was friendship.

Before Jacob, I had a really tough time in the relationship world. It seemed like I always could figure out school, work, and my passion; but couldn't quite get the one thing I had dreamt of since I was little. A healthy, happy, and loving relationship.

I remember the first time I saw Jacob. I was helping my parents down at their Marina (Anchorage Boat Dock) in late April of 2023 when this guy walked into the marina store to get a snack. I wasn't paying attention at first but when he came to the counter to check out I had never seen a more infectious smile in my life. His smile made me smile. When he walked out the door I casually asked my parents who he was. They informed me that he was just hired by Barney and Jeana Mayfield. They run the rental and repair shop at our marina; Jacob would be working over there all summer.

At this point in my life, I was still living in Asheville, North Carolina getting my culinary degree. I graduated in May 2023 and moved back to Lake Burton full-time. During the summer of 2023, I had a lot going on. I was in the middle of building my house, running a restaurant, and dealing with personal stresses. With all of those things going on I still could not get Jacob out of my head.

I would see him every day I would be running the restaurant at the Marina. He would always give me the warmest smile and it made so many of my worries and stresses melt away. Jacob and I rarely talked because we worked on separate ends of the property, and we didn't hang out in the same settings. Finally though, Barney and Jeana hosted an employee work party.

Once I arrived at the party I went to hang out with one of my best friends Jacklynn and brother Samuel. I remember we were all about to start a new game of Giant Jenga when I turned to see who would be standing beside me, it was Jacob. This was the first time I had gotten to see his eyes up close; they were this bright greenish blue. Bright eyes to match his bright smile I thought. During the game, someone had made a joke and we were all laughing so hard that I put my hand on his shoulder to brace myself. I used to hate when people said "You know when you know", but for some reason, in that small instance, I started to think they were right. I have tried to explain this feeling but I can't; but if I had to it was god telling me that everything in that exact moment was all a part of his plan and to remember the feeling. So I did.

Jacob's Story:

My two brothers and I were raised in a house of love and god. I grew up watching my parents care for each other and work as a team. I always admired how they demonstrated love and made time for each other. I have known from a young age I wanted my future wife to cherish me as I saw my parents cherish each other.

When my parents informed me we would be moving from my childhood home to Rabun County; you can imagine I wasn't too happy. Moving at age 18 was hard. I was leaving all my best friends and normal my routine.

It took a lot of adjusting at first, but Rabun slowly started growing on me. I enjoyed how beautiful the mountains were and how friendly the town could be. I worked a few different jobs to preoccupy myself. I have always been an introvert, so making friends wasn't my top priority when moving. After a year of living in Rabun my mom Christy met Jeana Mayfield and quickly became friends. Jeana Mayfield co-owns the Rental and Repair shop at Anchorage Marina. Jeana was looking for new employees for the Summer of 2023. My mom quickly signed me up for the job.

Before Emma, I wasn't known to be a lady's man by any means. I liked to hang out with my friends and when I wasn't doing that I was working or spending time at home. My interests and personality never would quite match up to the women I would pursue. I knew I needed to find someone who loved me for me. I wanted a best friend who would be able to match my wittiness, weirdness, and humor. I always promised myself I would never settle for less, so I waited.

To this day I swear the moment I saw Emma I was in love with her. I had never felt such a strong pull towards anyone or anything in my life. During the summer of 2023, I would catch myself admiring this girl who at the time I thought was just an employee over at the Marina's restaurant. I eventually asked Jeana who the beautiful girl was and she informed me, that her name was Emma, and was Seth and Nikki Poole's daughter. When I would go over to the marina store I would always catch us exchanging looks and smiles at each other; made me feel like I had a schoolyard crush. I didn't want the feeling to end.

Barney and Jeana like to throw employee appreciation parties. I had not gone to one of the parties yet so I didn't have any expectations. I was talking to Barney and was helping set up all the outdoor games with Samuel Poole (Emma's Brother). I was there for a couple of hours before Emma showed up to the party. I was honestly so surprised when she showed up, but was really happy about it. I went over to the Giant Jenga table to get in on the game that was about to start. I looked over to my right and Emma was standing there smiling at me. The game went on for some time and we exchanged a few words and an introduction. I couldn't stop looking at her and thinking to myself how beautiful she was. Eventually, the game was interrupted by loud laughter from everyone. Emma was laughing so hard she grabbed my shoulder to steady herself. I NEVER in my life felt what I felt at that moment. It was like god gifted me the power of insight, and in that small moment, I felt god tell me this is your future standing right in front of you. The power that TINY instance had over me was unlike anything I can describe. I never wanted to lose that feeling.

Our Story:

Jacob and I didn't hang out again until almost three months later. Jacklynn and Riley were hosting one of their famous game nights in late July after work. It was a small group that was invited and I asked her if we could add an extra. Jacklynn was not surprised to hear me say Jacob's name. If anything we have to thank Jacklynn for bringing us together that night. Sadly game night got canceled but I was NOT going to let that stop me from hanging out with Jacob. We all ended up going to Burton Bar (the Cut and Shoot). Jacob was the last to show up. The moment he sat down we could not stop talking to each other. I think we both honestly forgot we were with other people. Little did we know this was going to be the night that started the rest of our life together.

Jacob and I have always held family to be the most important thing in our lives. Me and my family are beyond close and I knew how important it was to them for me to find a husband that would mesh with our family dynamic. Jacob's family was the same way. It was important to them that Jacob found someone with the same beliefs as their family.

Our situation was rare in the way both families have the same values and desires for their children. We immediately fell in love with each other parents and siblings. This made us even more sure of each other.

I think for most couples it can be intimidating for the parents to finally meet each other. A lot rides on this moment. When my parents (Seth and Nikki) met Jacob's parents (Christy and Brian) it went smoother than we could have ever imagined. The similarities our parents had made it easy for them to mesh and easy for them to see how the future would look for all of us.

Jacob and I could not be more fortunate for the outcome of our love story. We can not wait to be in front of all of our loved ones to share our love story and say yes to forever and even after.