We met in December 2023, but the excitement started long before our first date. Emma spent the entire Thanksgiving break messaging Thomas nonstop, counting down the days until she could finally meet him after texting and FaceTiming for a few weeks. Thomas felt the exact same way—after days of texting back and forth, we were both eager, nervous, and so ready to see if the spark would be real. At the time, Emma was in her first year of graduate school at Michigan State, and Thomas was working as an engineer in Auburn Hills. Different schedules, different cities… but the connection already felt easy.

Our first date was at the Potter Park Zoo Lights in Lansing, and that spark we hoped for? It showed up immediately. A few days later, we had our second date which was an unplanned, eight-hour adventure that just kept unfolding. We met in Ann Arbor, wandered downtown, popped into shops, and stopped at a coffee shop (Thomas’s first ever… and he’s been to lots and lots since). Then came dinner, Christmas lights, and, because neither of us wanted the day to end, a last-minute movie. From the beginning, we simply didn’t want to say goodbye—something that still holds true every time we’re together.

Emma quickly noticed all the things that make Thomas who he is: thoughtful, a wonderful listener, goofy in the best way, incredibly hardworking, self-motivated, and endlessly caring toward others. Thomas quickly fell for Emma’s incredibly large and selfless heart, the way she loves and cares for her family and friends, her contagious smile and the way she lights up everywhere she goes. We fell for each other fast, and we both knew early on that we’d found our person. Saying “I love you” came easily and meant everything. Our shared faith has guided us in our relationship and helped us develop an even deeper love for each other.

The two of us have built a life full of fun and shared passions like running, concerts, cooking, traveling, trying new things for each other (including Thomas becoming a full-blown coffee addict thanks to Emma). Honestly, we just love doing life side by side.

In September 2025, Thomas pulled off the sweetest surprise proposal. He brought Emma to one of our favorite spots near our home in South Lyon- Kensington Metropark, where we’ve spent many days running and walking together. Both of our families were waiting, and the whole moment felt magical.

And now… we can’t wait for everything that comes next!