This might seem like an unusual photo to start the timeline... but it is in fact the only photo from their first date. Matthew, in a panic, realising there were no photos, took a photo of this tree. It is a very lovely tree in Queen Elizabeth Park. It sits atop the steep hill that Emily marched him up as the opening gambit to their first date.

The first photo Matthew ever took of Emily, during their second date. Sally the Flamingo is still a treasured item within their home, though at this point she has many sisters on the shelf next to her

Following the success of Sally the Flamingo they didn't waste any time organising a third date. This is the first photo of them together, outside The Victory in Portsmouth's Dockyard Museum

This is the first time Emily visited what would become their joint home. As you can see, she made herself comfortable from the start.

Their fourth date was held at Victorious Festival and it was after this that they agreed to be partners in crime for life

The first time Emily joined the infamous pub quiz with Matthew quoting "If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my weirdos"

They went on their first double date at Gunwharf Quays with Chris, Matthew's oldest friend, and his partner Crystal

The first time Emily joined Matthew and Craig, or as she calls him, "Le Craaag" on one of their adventures. A visit to Portchester castle and late evening drinking games led to new shared friendship

Emily's first experience of the infamous "Can Roulette" that kicks off each year's "Onsie Pub Crawl"

First Christmas at the Butser Mad House with Emily's family... "Katie have you checked your..?"

For Emily's first birthday together Matthew ensured she was suitably dressed and accessorised

Emily is indoctrinated into Spanish and Italian culture, meeting Matthew's Nanny and Grandien for the first time at their home

It took very little to convince Emily to join Matthew on his adventures abroad, despite her having not owned a passport for more than ten years! First stop Spain!

As part of their first holiday they managed a whirlwind round trip from sunny Barcelona to snowy Andorra in one day!

And just like that Emily caught the travel bug. Matthew would like to think it was due to the trip itself but they both know it was mainly down to the fresh churros

After only a week at home they were back out again, this time to France, Monaco and Italy with Alessandra. It is unclear why Emily turned Scooby into a hat. El Pato and Alessandra were highly concerned

Citron was acquired in Nice airport and Emily officially joined the travel buddy club!

Emily arranged their first Valentine's Day together. It turns out both of them love terrible puns...

... and roasted duck 😋

Steve met Steve. This was the first parents meet up and was coincidentally both Easter Sunday and Steve (Jenkins') birthday weekend. Nothing is ever done half heartedly in these families

The day "Dr Dizzy" and "Dr Magic" kidnapped Emily from her home. Live kidnapping photos are sadly not available but this is proof that the fun never stops and it's never time to adult...

... as further shown by Maciej's birthday presents from both of them that year

Emily took Matthew to her home town of Stourton and they explored the surrounding areas in the midlands. Matthew met Kirsty, joint maid of honour, for the first time

Some things are just too funny not to photograph... Luckily their sense of humour matches

Emily met Matthew's "son" Tony shortly before they all saw Alice Cooper together

Second parents meet up, this time mother meets mother! Everyone still dreams about that cheesecake Linds made

Ready on the flight to Hong Kong for their first round the world trip adventure!

The start of their South East Asia temple run was in Vietnam...

...including a romantic overnight cruise in Hạ Long Bay

You should ask Emily how her first Asian style karaoke night ended in Ho Chi Minh City 😉

Following Vietnam they travelled to Cambodia for the obligatory tourist photo

A surprise meet up in Thailand! Emily met Adam, Matthew's university roommate, and his partner Kseniia for the first time!

Emily helped Matthew to live his childhood dream by organising an elephant care day...

...which ended up being quite messy...

... but absolutely worth it. Matthew loves Emily very much (but maybe not as much as elephants)

Through the humidity they trekked to the golden temples of Laos...

...and to the tallest heights of Malaysia...

... whilst laughing constantly along the way

Their first major adventure together had been a success and they shared their first anniversary together in Singapore. Matthew asked Emily to move in and she said yes!

Once home Emily showed off her party skills organising a Potter themed 30th birthday for Matthew...

...complete with homemade themed cocktails!

Jonny was met for the first time - "Gandalf is in Harry Potter right?"

Emily gets her key!

And by the next day had fully moved in!

After a few months of cohabitation Matthew surprised Emily by bringing home their first little one - Mayhem the kitty!

The four amigos and their new furry friend spent Christmas together

Emily's addiction to sushi was enabled via a homemade feast for her birthday

The first Christmas shenanigans with Matthew's family, hosted in Matthew and Emily's home!

The double dates continued! This particular time was a murder mystery in London

Garr! A pirate themed Valentine's Day

More Mediterranean shenanigans and an official seal of approval was given by Nanny and Grandien!

They scrub up well! Secretly Matthew was taking notes at Holly and Josh's wedding... plotting the future

Matthew and Emily explored his home town of Walton On Thames in Surrey

Emily's gecko Stevie moves in and settles into his new home

Cabbage.

They continue their adventures to this day. At Arundel Castle they didn't once question their choices

A sad and final meal together as a full house. Mike was wished best of luck!

Always thrill seeking, this time they prepared for a dive!

Sharing the same love for rock music they ensured AC/DC was on the 2024 agenda!

The next day Matthew excitedly showed Mayhem the sparkly thing he'd be giving her mummy...

... who promptly yeeted the ring across the room in a tantrum

With much plotting and many conspiring helpers the question was asked and she said yes!

Following which they hightailed it to the airport to get ready for grand adventure number two!

Newly engaged, they shared their first meal together as the affianced in Cape Town

Everywhere they went Matthew made sure to keep embarrassing Emily as preparation for a life together. This photo was right before he organised a large group of dancers and singers to surround them

In Franschhoek they discovered that maybe they do like wine

They saw so many wonderful sightings on various safaris...

But they missed their kitten and so specifically searched for other ones... from a distance

Scooby and Citron soaked up the sunrises during their scuba trip in Mozambique (nobody wants to see soggy 5am versions of Matthew and Emily)...

And rhino friends were made in Eswatini!

What an adventure!

Bex and Tristan welcomed them into their homes in Durban and Nottingham Road...

... and gave Matthew the opportunity again to prove why Emily loves him

Together they road tripped to the top of Africa in Lesotho, sleeping under the stars in the wilderness

On the final day it was Matthew's turn to be embarrassed publicly. Emily returned the question atop a waterfall with help from Bex and Tristan setting it up!

Once home Matthew joined Emily at Bird World and met Becca for the first time. It was an eventful day... 💩

Chris, being Matthew's oldest friend, was asked - Will you be my groomsman? - "If I have to"

Another wedding was attended, this time celebrating Jonny and Sanjana! More notes were taken, this time together!

Will you be my bridesmaid? (But please don't fall over down the aisle Alessandra)

By October the wedding venue was booked!

By November the newest member of the family, Havoc, was brought home...