Though they previously met through friends back in 2016, Dan and Em's story really begins in November 2017. After not seeing each other for over a year, Dan saw a familiar face in the spin studio at their local gym after an early morning swim. He gave a quick wave but didn't have the courage to go in and say "hi" until the next week when he saw her getting ready to teach again. After exchanging numbers, they planned their first date for the day of the Crosstown Shootout on December 2! After the big game (a Xavier win), they met for sushi in Mt. Lookout and then went for drinks at the Blind Lemon in Mt. Adams. Things kept getting better from there as they planned a trip to Bali a few months later and then moved to Philadelphia in July 2018. They both learned the value in taking a chance on love even when life throws a few curves in the road!

October 9, 2019 was a blustery fall day in Philadelphia. Em had just spent the afternoon volunteering and was chatting with her friend Hillary as she walked in the door that day. The apartment was clean....too clean. The candles and music tipped Em that something was up. Hearing this, Hill quickly ended the call. On the far wall of the apartment, Em noticed that a few new picture frames were hanging, though there weren't any pictures inside. As she went to go check out the decor, she saw the frames contained important dates from the pair's relationship. In a separate frame on the window sill, she saw that day's date with a question mark. When she turned around, Dan was there, ring in hand, on one knee. He told her that he loved her more than anything in the world and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He then asked her to marry him. She said, “absolutely, yes!” They celebrated with friends in Philly later that evening and then spent a surprise weekend in Asheville continuing the celebration with a group of friends. It was a moment they will never forget!