Emily and Alex met in 2022, when Emily caught Alex’s eye on a dating app. At the time, things started slowly—they were both in their twenties, focused on their careers. But by the Spring of 2023, Alex was completely certain: Emily was the person he wanted to marry. Less than a year later, Alex made a big leap and decided to build a home for them together in his hometown of Waltham, Massachusetts. On Christmas Eve 2024, they moved into their very first home—an exciting milestone and the beginning of a new chapter. One of their earliest and most memorable dates was an adventure to Ohio to pick up their dog, Dakota, and drive her back to Massachusetts. Now 135 pounds and full of personality, Dakota fills their home—literally and figuratively—with love. Alex proposed in August 2025 in Medway, Massachusetts, at their niece’s favorite park—the same park where Emily’s sister and brother-in-law were married in 2023 and a place already full of meaning for their family. It was also at that wedding, two years earlier, that Alex told Emily “I love you” for the very first time. Their eldest niece, Ali, had a very special role in the proposal, handing Alex the ring before he proposed. Emily said “yes” without hesitation, though she was momentarily confused, having thought the family was gathering to celebrate her dad’s birthday. One year later, Emily and Alex will be married on September 5, 2026, in New Hampshire. They cannot wait to celebrate with the people they love most and begin their married life together.