Emily and Joe both grew up in Lake Zurich and ran in very similar circles, but never seemed to entirely cross paths. In high school, though they were in different grades at different high schools, they both were a part of the Peer Ministry program at St. Francis de Sales. Even then, they didn't really know each other (BUT a picture does exist from 2009 of the two standing next to each other at a PM Christmas party!). They went on to graduate high school and college. Back in Lake Zurich after college, Joe rejoined the St. Francis youth ministry team, and developed a close relationship with Emily's dad, Bill. Over time, Emily and Joe got to know each other through church functions, even being set up on a couple dates by a family friend (thanks Dena!). While the blind dates were a bust (Emily says she was ghosted, Joe says otherwise), the two reconnected in 2019 when Joe went out on a limb and asked Emily out again--with a little reconnaissance help from Olivia, Emily's younger sister. In 2019, when Emily and Joe tried the whole dating thing again, they knew things were different this time. Since then, they knew they were meant for the long-haul. They felt so blessed to have not only each other, but also their loving families, in their corner. After about 3 years of dating, Joe COMPLETELY surprised Emily when he proposed on a family vacation with her extended Barrett family. It was a perfect summer day--Joe proposed to Emily at the end of a beautiful dock in the picturesque town of Ephraim in Door County. He even managed to get Olivia there to take some sneaky photos of the whole thing! The two returned to the house they were sharing with Emily's family to celebrate, only to be joined by Joe's immediate family (a huge surprise for Emily) AND Emily's best friends from Wisconsin (an even bigger surprise). It was such a lovely day filled with love, joy, and celebration. Emily and Joe cannot wait to share even more LOVE, JOY, and CELEBRATION with everyone in July! Thank you!