Emily and Akbar's journey began in the halls of high school during their junior year. It wasn't until senior year, however, that their relationship took center stage. As they performed together in productions like "Caught in the Act," "Legally Blonde," "Aida," and "The Great Gatsby," they discovered a connection that went beyond their shared love for theater. After high school, they faced their next challenge: college. Emily headed to the University of Delaware, while Akbar attended the University of Maryland. For four years, they navigated the complexities of a long-distance relationship, proving that their bond was strong enough to withstand the separation. Post-graduation, they finally got to share the same space again! They moved in together and soon welcomed two furry additions to their family: their cats, Tiabeanie ('Beanie') and Rotini ('Tini'). As their life together unfolded, Akbar and Emily discovered the joy in their shared passions. The two spend their time hiking, biking, traveling, gaming, and watching their favorite shows. As they approached their 9-year anniversary, they planned a special trip to Madrid, Spain. In front of the picturesque Crystal Palace, Akbar proposed to Emily! Despite a last-minute hiccup with the ring company (resulting in a stand-in ring - a story for another time), the moment was still perfect. Now, they're excited to take the next step in their journey. They're thrilled to have you join them as they begin this new chapter in their lives together!