THE BEGINNING: TOLD BY EMMA


Our story officially started in June 2021. But if we’re being honest, our story started on August 6, 2002, which happens to be both of our birthdays. Yes, we were born on the same day! This invisible string that would one day connect us was already being woven on the day we were born.


Our paths crossed in multiple ways over the years. One of those ways was that Hunter played travel baseball for my dad, though this connection remained unknown to me until after we met. When I first connected with Hunter on Snapchat in June 2021, I had no idea that his coach was my dad. Hunter knew right away because of my last name, and he assumed I knew. I remember telling my mom about this great guy I’d been talking to, only for her to say, Ummm, Emma, he's one of Dad's players!


My shocked response still makes us all laugh today:
No he's not!
No. He’s. Not.
NO HE'S NOT!
My heart is in my butt.


From the moment we met, I knew something was different about us. They say when you know, you know- and I knew early on. If you ask Hunter, he will say the same. We both recognized something rare and precious in each other. That feeling has only grown stronger over the years. 


I always joked with my dad about one of his daughters dating one of his baseball players. Now look at me- I’m marrying one!




THE PROPOSAL: TOLD BY HUNTER


On May 25, 2024, our love story reached a new chapter on a baseball field, which is fitting for us! I bought Emma's engagement ring around the holidays 2023 knowing I wanted to propose sometime in the spring. I spent several weeks planning the proposal, and I was grateful for my mom’s help. I even had a secret planning session with both of our moms early in May while Emma was at work. That was a hard secret to keep from her because we tell each other everything!


Seeing my vision come to life was so exciting! There was a path from the entrance of the gate all the way to the field lined with photo canvases capturing our shared birthdays, while Yellow played over the speakers. Seeing both our families in the stands as we rounded the corner brought happy tears to our eyes- it’s a moment we'll never forget.


As I guided Emma onto the baseball field, an instrumental version of From the Ground Up played. I knew this is one of her favorite songs, and I spent a lot of time selecting the perfect music. We took our time walking the bases together, looking at photos I had set up along the baselines, each one marking another year of our story:


First Base: Year One
Second Base: Year Two
Third Base: Year Three


I planned on saying so much as we were walking, but the moment caught up with me. It's hard to talk with a lump in your throat! Now, looking back, it's exactly how it was meant to be. It was genuinely us. I loved walking down memory lane with Emma, laughing, crying, and remembering. 


We rounded third base and then headed home- both literally and metaphorically. When we reached home plate, I was finally able to get some words out. Even though our families were there, what was said remains between just the two of us. I got down on one knee and asked, Will you marry me? and Emma couldn't contain her joy- she broke into an excited little dance. I knowingly nodded “yes” as she was saying “YES!” because I already knew what her answer would be! Then, Bruno Mars Marry You burst through the speakers as our families cheered through tears of joy. It was the perfect night celebrating our past, present, and future.


We're grateful for every twist and turn that led us to this beautiful moment, and for that invisible string that kept pulling us together when we weren't even looking. Now here we are, hearts full and ready to celebrate the beginning of our forever, surrounded by all the people we love most.
October 24, 2025 can't come soon enough- we can hardly wait to share this incredible joy with our dear friends and family!


Forever & Always,
The Future Mr. & Mrs. Dilts

The Proposal- May 25, 2024

A special thanks Danielle Aubrey Photography for capturing this special night. Click on the photos below and relive the best moment of our lives (so far) with us!