Brice and Emma had their first date at Brittingham Park where they were supposed to go paddle boarding. That August day turned out to be pretty windy and paddle boarding was no longer an option. So to salvage the date, they switched their rental to kayaks. Brice spent (what felt like) hours trying to figure out the website and make the change. Was Emma's first thought "Oh boy... this guy"? It was, but she persisted and eventually they were out on the water. Brice and Emma spent the next few hours talking and getting to know each other and little did they know, falling in love! Brice and Emma have had many wonderful adventures together including traveling to several states, Italy and creating a home with all their wonderful cats past and present. Each year they travel to Gulf Shores, AL for a week of beach time and seafood, but the 2024 trip was extra special. On the last night of the trip, while watching one of the most spectacular sunsets, Brice proposed! (If you didn't know, Emma said yes!) It will certainly make Gulf Shores that much more special each year.

Brice is originally from a small town in Michigan called Ionia. There he grew up on a hobby farm with his parents and 3 older siblings. Brice was active in 4H while growing up and participated in many sports including cross country and swimming. Brice graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Chemical Engineering and settled on coming to Madison to work for Epic Systems. Here he met many new people, many of whom participate in CrossFit. Brice LOVES CrossFit and Olympic lifting. He is dedicated to making himself the strongest and healthiest that he can be which comes with a lot of time working on skills, technique, and nutrition. He enjoys coaching athletes and one day hopes to open his own gym. Brice also loves kitties and is a great cat Dad. He originally adopted Shabba in 2018 and has since welcomed Luna, Millie, Milo, and Juniper with open arms. Brice is Emma's person. He is her rock when she's anxious, he pushes her when she needs encouragement and is there to support her through it all.

Emma is from Platteville, WI where she grew up on Main Street in an apartment above her Mom and Dad's insurance agency. She spent many hours biking around Platteville, going to the pool, and eating burgers and ice cream with her Grandpa Nodolf. She participated in many activities in High School, but was often on stage for band, orchestra or choir. Emma attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and studied Political Science and Sustainable and Renewable Energy Systems. After graduating she took a gap year, working for Cushman's Greenhouse and the Mining Museum where she gave tours of an 1800 lead mine. Emma moved to Madison in 2018 to get her Master's in Public Affairs from the La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison and now works at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Emma loves her kitties. She adopted Luna and Millie and gave them the most spectacular lives in their short time with her. She loves spoiling Shabba, Milo, and Juniper, reading, and spending time outside during the summer months. Emma also does CrossFit and while she doesn't love the cardio aspect, enjoys the community and lifting heavy-ish things. Emma is Brice's person. She is eager to join him in his silliness, acts as lighthouse when he's swum too far from shore, and promotes his continuous growth.