We met on Bumble, an online dating application, and to say sparks flew would be an understatement. It all started when Emjay became obsessed with Alex’s profile, only to find out later that his sister was the genius behind it. Our first date was almost a disaster when Emjay bailed last minute due to a friend’s cat's untimely demise. Alex wasn’t sure if it was an excuse or the truth, but he confidently stated that if Emjay was interested, she’d have to let him know. The confidence! The lack of desperation! Emjay was sold. Our actual first date took place during the COVID lockdown at Great Falls National Park, with Emjay’s dog, Tucker, joining us. Tucker, who typically hated strangers, leaped into Alex’s arms as if he’d found his long-lost dad. Our walk lasted hours, and we were having such a great time that Emjay suggested grabbing something to eat. Alex, ever the respectful gentleman, had plans with his mom and didn’t kiss Emjay, leaving her convinced she’d misread the situation. But Alex really did have plans with his mom. When he asked Emjay out again, she knew she was onto something good. We quickly fell for each other—Emjay for Alex’s kindness, above-and-beyond consideration, and goofy nerdiness, and Alex for Emjay’s warmth, humor, and adventurous spirit. But a few months in, Emjay got scared. She wanted marriage and wasn’t sure Alex did, so she broke things off. That lasted all of 48 hours before she realized it was a huge mistake (and thank goodness she did)! Fast forward to six months in, and Emjay shattered her big toe after a mishap walking Tucker. Surgery left her unable to navigate her apartment’s stairs, so she had two options: fly back to Oregon to stay with her mom or move in with Alex. Naturally, she “temporarily” moved in with Alex, who took care of her despite being allergic to her cat at the time. Spoiler alert: she never left. Now, we have a new dog, Boba, and a life filled with adventures, challenges, and countless happy memories. After four fantastic years together, we’re ready to embark on the greatest adventure yet—marriage.

My full, given name is Rebecca MJ Brown. My Hebrew name? Mosheh Atarah, or Moses Crown. In Jewish culture, our middle names are typically based off someone who has passed. My paternal grandfather's name was Milton Jackson. Wanting to name me after him, but not wanting Milton or Jackson to be my middle name, my parents opted to write "MJ" on my birth certificate. From a young age, I've always resonated more with my middle name, MJ, than my first name. It is far more unique than Rebecca. However, dealing with official documents was always a hassle. Whenever I went to places like the DMV, they’d insist, "No, not your middle initials, your middle name!" Anyone discovering my middle name would ask me "No, but what does it STAND for?!" After enough frustrating encounters, I decided to spell it out fully—Emjay. Over time, Emjay felt more like me, blending the formality of my given name with the casual, friendly vibe I love. Whether you know me as Rebecca, Becca, MJ, or Emjay, it all feels right. Emjay is simply a name that represents my journey, my identity, and the playful spirit I bring to life. So, as we celebrate our love story and embark on this new chapter, feel free to call me whatever you'd like. Love you all, Dr. Rebecca Becca MJ Emjay Mosheh Atarah Brown Petito

The sun and moon have always been powerful symbols for us, representing a balance of feminine and masculine energies. As our relationship grew, we discovered just how perfectly these symbols represented us. The sun, with its warmth, light, and life-giving energy, mirrors Alex's presence in our lives. The sun illuminates the world, bringing clarity, positivity, and strength to every moment. It symbolizes vitality, confidence, and an unwavering sense of purpose, much like Alex, who brightens our days and gives life to our dreams. However, the sun can also represent stubbornness and rigidity, sticking firmly to its path. In these moments, the moon’s gentle, adaptable presence balances Alex's steadfastness, offering flexibility and a soothing reassurance. Emjay, on the other hand, resonates with the moon. The moon's gentle, reflective light, its ability to influence the tides, and its association with intuition and inner reflection perfectly encapsulate Emjay's nature. The moon represents mystery, emotional depth, and the subtle power of introspection and intuition. Just as the moon guides the night, Emjay brings a nurturing and perceptive presence, guiding through times of darkness with her wisdom and calm. However, the moon can also be highly emotional and changeable, reflecting its phases. In these times, the sun’s steady and illuminating energy balances Emjay’s fluctuating emotions, providing clarity and consistency. About three years into our relationship, we reached a point where we needed reassurance about our future together. Reflecting on the symbols of the sun and moon provided that clarity. The sun and moon together signify harmony, balance, and a natural partnership that cycles through phases but always returns to one another. The sun and moon’s dance in the sky, rising and setting, waxing and waning, reminds us of the ebb and flow of life and love, where each phase, whether bright or shadowed, is essential to the whole. We realized that, just like the sun and moon, we complement each other in ways that make us stronger together. The sun brings out the best in the moon, highlighting its beauty and phases, while the moon provides a serene counterpoint to the sun's brilliance, ensuring a balance of light and dark, day and night. When the sun's intensity becomes too much, the moon's cool light brings relief. When the moon’s shadows grow too deep, the sun’s rays offer guidance and direction. As we celebrate our love and commitment, we cherish the symbolism of the sun and moon as a constant reminder of our bond, balance, and enduring connection. The sun and moon's eternal dance is a perfect metaphor for our journey together, guiding us through all of life's phases with the promise of always returning to one another.