Isn't there some rule about how you shouldn't date your co-worker? Oops. Jared and Emily met when they were both working at the Pioneer, a newspaper in Big Rapids. Emily worked as the cops and courts reporter, while Jared was the IT guy for the company. They didn't have much interaction until one day Emily wasn't feeling well. She left work early and came back the next day to find Jared had left her some tea at her desk. Emily didn't really drink tea, but thought it was a sweet gesture. Jared and Emily would talk a bit via chat and then Jared finally asked if she'd like to get a beer sometime after work at the bar next door. She said yes and the two spent a few hours laughing and drinking. As the two were chatting, Emily was beginning to think Jared was the type of guy she should be dating. Jared asked her to dinner a few days later, but she didn't really classify it as a date. Then in the middle of the evening she realized it was totally a date and she didn't need to find a guy LIKE Jared, she was falling for Jared. After that, the two started hanging out more and more until they were eventually an official couple.

Emily and Jared love to travel, whether it's camping trips in the U.P., day trips to beaches, or just driving to check out a new brewery. About a year into their relationship, Emily and Jared took a trip to Florida and had the best time, exploring Orlando and also spending time at Clearwater Beach. The next year, they decided they'd like to go back to Florida for another vacation, this time visiting Jared's cousin, Nate, and his family, who had recently moved to Tampa. Emily and Jared set out for Tampa on a Friday for a long weekend, but ran into some plane delays due to weather. It was not the best start to a vacation. However, the trip quickly improved. After getting into Florida late Friday evening, Jared and Emily decided the next day would be dedicated to hitting the beach. Nate and his wife, Anne, both said they were busy during the day, so Jared and Emily set off for Clearwater Beach alone. They had brunch and mimosas at a restaurant near the beach, then headed out to enjoy the sand, sunshine, and relaxation. After staying for a few hours, they put their feet in the ocean, then packed up to head back to Nate and Anne's. As they were leaving, Jared took Emily to some sand dunes to look out at the beach and have some privacy. Emily started organizing the beach bag, then turned to see Jared down on one knee with the most gorgeous ring! He popped the question, and she, flustered and surprised, first said a bunch of random nonsense before of course saying YES! The two hugged and kissed, which elicited loud cheers from people on a hotel balcony who had witnessed the proposal. Best beach day ever! <3