We were both on our way to a young adult conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Little did we know that at that conference it would be the first time we would meet each other in person. Emily went to the conference on a whim not knowing what to expect but wanting to grow deeper in her relationship with God. Matthew went as a Cru volunteer and had just recently moved back to Dickinson, North Dakota. Fast forward a couple of months after the conference is when Emily began to show interest in Matthew. It took a little bit of convincing but Emily's dad gave Matthew permission to date his daughter and we started officially dating in February of 2019. This began many months of long-distance dating and drives back and forth from Dickinson North Dakota to Bismarck North Dakota. I truly believe it was through our long-distance dating that our love for one another grew stronger. After one short summer in 2019, Matthew decided to move to Bismarck officially and put an end to the long-distance. Now dating shy over 2 years, we both know Jesus was up to something when he intertwined our paths. We have been on many adventures together and many of them included going to Montana, we have gone through hard seasons, and most importantly we have both grown immensely in our relationships with Jesus as He remains the center of our relationship. We both know wholeheartedly that Jesus is the true reason why our lives were brought together. If it wasn't for the Lord we would not be where we are at today. We love because He first loved us.

Our first date was morning church, breakfast at the Little Cottage, and coffee at Boneshakers where we began to start sharing our lives with one another. This date also sparked the start of many intentional deep conversations that we continue to have to this day. We both love quality time and long car rides to talk about our dreams and future goals together. Matthew is truly my partner for life and I know he would say the same.

I know Matthew would probably tell this story in a way different light as he was the one making it all happen, but I will share a few of my thoughts on this special day. A little back story to our proposal begins back in March of 2020. This month was a very solidifying month for me as it began the official approval of my dad given to Matthew to have my hand in marriage. If you know the relationship I have with my dad, you would know that we have a very special bond and that I am 100% my dad's little girl ever since I was little. So as you can imagine, once I knew Matthew had the go-ahead, I was constantly on my toes wondering when Matthew was going to propose. I even remember specific date nights where I chose to wear a special outfit if of course on the off chance Matthew would choose to propose. For those of you, that know me well you would know I love details so as you can imagine during this time I was scheming up in my head how the proposal day was going to look, when it would happen, how long we would be engaged, and yes I even started to wedding plan because I was that excited. However, Matthew has always kept me on my toes and I had no idea when the proposal would happen. To make a long story short though Matthew kept it a secret the whole time and entrusted my two best friends Bekah and Brianna with the secret as well...which to say the least, still proud of you guys for not telling me ;) Matthew proposed to me on July, 4th 2020 under an amazing firework show and left me speechless for a split second as I quickly said "YES" and cried immediately because I seriously had no idea it was coming. It was such a special day and night full of so much joy, laughter, happy tears, and great friends. I cannot wait to spend forever with the man of my dreams!

Matthew may disagree but usually, we ride the same wavelength with our favorite memories and times together...I would definitely say one of our favorite memories together was our trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota this past August 2020. Amidst a very uncertain and strange year of 2020, Matthew and I were able to get away for a short period of time. I think this trip was so special because even though our surrounding circumstances were chaotic, we were able to push "pause" for a moment in time and simply enjoy each other. I know we would both say this trip was much needed after a very eventful summer and it allowed us to celebrate our recent engagement as well. I know we both felt refreshed and rejuvenated after this trip and getting to treat one another was super special.