Will likes to tell people we met in the produce section of a grocery store while reaching for the same fruit which would be adorable. But alas we met on hinge during the first summer of the pandemic and scheduled our first date right before the fourth of July weekend.

We went on our first date at the rooftop of the Six West hotel in Southie. Emily’s roommates dropped her off and spied on Will as he walked up. Will ordered a Pacifico and Emily ordered a glass of Rosé. After a great first date and a misplaced wallet (Will’s) the rest was history.

Will told Emily he made a reservation for dinner at Mida in East Boston. We parked by the waterfront and Will suggested walking along the docks before dinner. Will made some suspicious small talk while he was waiting for a barge to cross and not ruin the backdrop. When the coast was clear Will got down on one knee and Emily said yes. The surprise continued back at our apartment in Chelsea where Will had invited all of our closest friends and family to celebrate the future Mr. and Mrs. Ballantyne.