Emily and Neil met like many 21st century couples do: on a dating app. Emily saw Neil's profile a couple of times, but didn't swipe right because of nerves. Then his profile didn't come up for another two weeks and she thought she lost her chance! Luckily, on December 13, 2023, Neil's profile came up again and Emily found the courage to send him a message about his interest in movies and concerts. Neil asked her out within 24 hours (which impressed Emily!) and they had their first date on December 16, 2024.

It didn't go quite as planned - the first coffee shop they went to was packed, so they ended up at a Starbucks connected to a Target and Emily paid using gift cards! Despite the hiccups, they hit it off and talked for hours. Both were too shy at the end of the date to ask for another one, but Neil sent Emily a creative message shortly after asking her out again!

Since that first date they've had many more adventures like exploring state parks, travelling to Duluth and Grand Rapids, getting to know each other's families, and cheering on the Minnesota Timberwolves (yes, Emily is a pro-basketball fan now, if you can believe it)! They have fun together even if they're just hanging out on the couch watching a movie (Neil's choice), Love is Blind (Emily's choice), or Unsolved Mysteries (a mutual choice).

It felt incredibly natural to move from dating to getting engaged as they share common values, faith, and interests. Neil popped the question on October 12, 2024. He surprised Emily with a stay at 300 Clifton, a historical mansion turned bed and breakfast in Minneapolis, where he hid clues around the mansion for Emily to solve. Then he revealed a personalized New York Times Connections game for Emily to complete, which ended with the cards "Will you marry me?". Of course, she said yes!

Neil then took Emily to dinner where he had their families surprise her so they could celebrate together. She couldn't have imagined a more beautiful proposal.

They can't wait for their next adventure down the aisle at the St. Paul College Club on May 25, 2025!