We met as students at DePaul University's School of Music in Chicago. Fate first brought us together to play an awkward wedding gig where the groom nearly walked out of the ceremony! Following that gig, we became close friends playing string quartets, eating Thai Food, and drinking coffee at the Bourgeois Pig Cafe in Lincoln Park. According to Dima, it took him one look at Emily's smile, and he knew right there and then, who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

After spending a few hours at the Art Institute of Chicago (one of our favorite places in the city) we enjoyed a frozen pizza at Dima's tiny studio apartment, and watched a very romantic movie...Stephen King's The Shining. Some might say it's not a great movie choice for the first date, however Dima would disagree! He was able to convince Em to hold his hand during some particularly scary moments so it was definitely a success!

8 years later the alarm went off at 3am... With the help of a very large pot of coffee we stumbled into the car and were on our way to Sedona, Arizona. Warmed by the gorgeous sunrise at the top of Doe Mountain and surrounded by the most incredible views, Dima asked Em to marry him. After a resounding yes from Em, we continued to hike around the beautiful mesa. We stayed for the weekend where we celebrated with lovely sunset dinners and more hiking that weekend.