After waiting a year to be able to safely get married, we were thrilled to have an intimate wedding in Davone's parents' beautiful backyard in May of 2021. Emma got a little white dress and Davone bought a nice new suit, we hung string lights, hired a singer, and enjoyed barbeque food, cocktails, and sunset boat rides with close friends and family. See our photos tab for all the joy! We're so thankful for everyone that could join us then, and we are beyond excited to finally celebrate with all our loved ones in April 2022!

Davone and Emma first met at 16 years old when we were cast as a married couple in our high school's Junior Spectacular play. However, it was a very brief-lived stage marriage, as Emma was soon switched to a different role. Fast forward a year, and Emma and Davone were both in the nationally-recognized, unparalleled, preeminent, most outstanding, finest, #1 show choir and gospel choir in the state of Indiana together. On the very first day of rehearsal with the Northernaires gospel choir, Davone noticed a familiar face from Junior Spectacular, and used his power as president of the choir to kindly ask his friend to trade seats in order to sit next to Emma. His friend agreed and Davone was in business. Over the course of the next year, we became close friends and then began dating at the end of high school and throughout freshman year of college. We fell in love quickly, but being long distance at rival colleges did prove challenging. Several years later, we reconnected at Davone’s best friend TJ's wedding, and have been deeply in love and enjoying life in Chicago together ever since!

It was a sunny October day in 2018, and Davone and Emma had spent the afternoon exploring historic architectural buildings around Chicago. Emma was looking forward to going engagement ring shopping together the next day. Little did she know, Davone had much different plans in store... He told her they'd be going to a karaoke/trivia night event (two of her very favorite activities) with Davone's company. We arrived at the Moxy Hotel, and found our reserved tables in the bar/lounge area along with Davone's coworker. Out of nowhere, Davone's brother AJ came walking in! Emma was a bit confused, but not terribly surprised to see AJ visiting Chicago. Then came Davone's parents, Tony and Carla. "Whaaat???," Emma thought. It soon all became clear. Just behind Tony and Carla came walking in a big group of people right toward Davone and Emma. The first two faces Emma saw where those of her mom, Ruth Ann, and her best friend, Katherine. Immediately, Emma knew exactly what was happening. Davone whipped out a speech he'd prepared, and dove right in. Emma cried and laughed and cried and laughed some more as she listened to Davone and looked around at so many family and friends who'd traveled to Chicago! Davone got down on one knee, and Emma said YES! The surprises didn't end there: Davone had Emma sit down and watch numerous short videos that he'd collected from other family and friends who couldn't be there in person, sending their love and congrats. We spent the rest of the night smiling from ear to ear, celebrating and toasting to our future surrounded by loved ones!