Tell me the story of how you met.

Emma: I’m going to say that we met at a Friendsgiving because that’s when I truly remember seeing him and talking to him for the first time. After our meal, they started to slow dance, and we got pushed together as partners, where we learned how many things we have in common. He was the person I tried to talk to all night, and I *think* He was doing the same thing with me.

Blake: We were at a Friendsgiving for church small group. I was new so I was just trying to get through without standing out. They put on country music (not my style), and began dancing (also not my thing). I stood in the corner trying to avoid any dancing, but alas, I was made to dance. I was paired with Emma and we both fumbled our way through dancing that evening.

What were your first impressions of each other?

Emma: I thought I had no chance with him, so I immediately put him in the friend zone. I saw him and thought he was so cute, and there was no way he would like me since I’m a hot mess express.

Blake: It was reassuring to find someone who was just as awkward about wanting to slow dance, so she was a reassuring person to be attempting to dance with. We found out we shared a lot in common (class rank, percussion, siblings, etc.) and hit it off well.

What did you do on your first date?

Emma: We went to the Stella Cafe and got brunch since we both love breakfast food and mimosas.

Blake: Went to Stella cafe and then went back to my apartment to watch a movie (High School Musical).

What did your family think of your new boyfriend or girlfriend?

Emma: My parents were immediately SOLD. My mother especially would (and still does) whisper over to me “Oh, I just love him, he’s so good for you”

Blake: I kept things pretty low-key and just slowly introduced things about her. From what they heard they knew she was a good person from the start.

When did you know that you would end up getting married?

Emma: When my brother was sick and had to go to the hospital, Blake stayed with me there all night long. I knew that a man who was willing to stay with me in an uncomfortable ER waiting room was a man I would marry.

Blake: After returning from Phoenix and we began doing more and more life together since we were long-distance for 8 months, it felt natural.

Describe your engagement story.

Emma: My friends brought me to get my nails done for my “birthday” and then to Messina Hof to do a wine tasting. Ironically, at Messina Hof, Shaylynn (MOH) turned to me and was like “EMMA, YOU’RE NOT GETTING ENGAGED, STOP BEING WEIRD AND ENJOY YOUR BIRTHDAY” As it turns out, I am a lightweight, so after a wine-tasting, I was done for. Then, they created an elaborate story as to why we needed to go to a park and take pictures. When we got to the park, Blake was waiting there for me and I was internally (and externally) freaking out! Then, he got down on one knee (I can’t remember exactly what he said) and asked me to marry him.

Blake: I knew I had to do something cheesy and romantic as that was Emma’s style. Had about a month of planning thanks to help from her friends (thanks Riley, Shaylynn, and Annisa), where we hammered down the picnic service idea. Most of the day was spent worrying about the logistics (getting the food, meeting with the picnic location, and coordinating with friends and family) so I was kept busy. However once everything was set up and I was at the picnic, it turned out they would not be there until about an hour so I anxiously had to sit around for them to leave the winery, head to the venue, and walk up. She finally arrived and “surprised” her (can’t really hide a picnic set-up in an open park) with the proposal.

Registry