Jake and Emily were fortunate enough to make a chance connection in July of 2020 during the height of Covid. They bonded quickly over Star Trek, F1 Racing, and fried chicken. Their first date was on August 15, 2020 at Watson's Shack & Rail in Champaign, IL.

As the clock counted down the seconds on New Year's Eve 2021, Jake asked Emily to dance in the new year with him in their living room to their favorite vinyl record. At midnight, Jake stepped back and got down on one knee, ring in hand. and asked Emily to marry him, to which she replied with an excited "Yes!"