After graduating from college, Emily and Andrew were both looking for jobs in the marine biology field. Born and raised in Florida, Andrew decided to look for work in arguably the best part of the state. Emily wanted a break from the frigid winters of Massachusetts and was looking for a change in scenery. Both ended up at a small marine science center located in the Florida Keys. This opportunity to move to the Keys changed their lives forever. They met in the staff lounge on their very first day after getting settled in. They became fast friends and bonded over their love for snorkeling, marine creatures, and perhaps most importantly, tacos! The job had it's challenges and although it might not have been exactly what they had thought it might be, it gave them the best thing they could have asked for, each other.

While living in the Keys, Emily and Andrew had always dreamed of visiting the Dry Tortugas, a remote group of islands about 80 miles west of Key West. As the name suggests, these tiny islands are home to large numbers of sea turtles, pristine coral reefs, and the massive Fort Jefferson. So, on their sixth anniversary, they finally had the opportunity to go out to the Dry Tortugas. The boat trip out was beautiful, and they even got to see several turtles off the bow. Once the boat docked, Andrew took Emily’s hand and they high-tailed it across the interior courtyard of the fort to the far side overlooking the water. Their hustle was rewarded as they beat the crowds of fellow tourists, and they could explore the whole side of the fort by themselves. They climbed to the middle level where they could look out over the ocean in the large window-like vantage points cut into the ruin's walls. He suggested they take a picture and when she looked back, he was down on one knee asking her to marry him. They spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the fort by foot and snorkeling around it. Once they got back to Key West, they called their families to share in the happy news, even though unbeknownst to her, they all already knew. It was a perfect day and well worth the wait.