A magical day, an adventure continued!

In January of 2023, a prophecy foretold that two kindred spirits would meet and embark on the adventure of a lifetime together. Quinn and Emily were each ready to begin a new chapter in their lives, hoping to find someone who could brighten their days and make their souls smile. Fate led them both to the modern dating app known as Hinge, and on Quinn’s very first day, he matched with Emily. From that moment, their journey together began.

January 22nd, 2023, a Sunday, much like the one we’ll soon gather to celebrate, Quinn and Emily had their very first in-person date. They met at Graham's 318 Coffeehouse in Geneva, IL, ready for pastries and hot chocolate. What was planned as a simple afternoon together began at 2 p.m. and didn’t end until long after sunset. They settled into two cozy chairs by the corner window, talking nonstop for five magical hours. Emily discovered, to her amazement, that Quinn had attended the same college as her, North Central College, just a year apart. He had been there all along, right under her nose. Truly, the invisible string was at work. After that unforgettable first date, countless more adventures were sure to follow.

From the first date leading up to the engagement, Emily and Quinn were set off to an adventure of laughter, mischief, fellowship, and shared interests. Emily would introduce Quinn to the wonderful show of Doctor Who and Quinn would have Emily experience the Lord Of The Rings franchise for the first time. They would try new foods, cook cozy hobbit-like meals together, have their first vacation at Starved Rock State Park, team up to do a paint by number, and complete LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga to 100% on the Xbox. Emily and Quinn grew closer as the sun would set on each passing day and rise the next. Both having their own separate hobbies they would enjoy whilst all they would need was the company of the other. Together they would begin new campaigns fighting side by side in Dungeons and Dragons, play wizards chess, and make delicious second breakfasts. After all this time, they would want to be in each others lives, always.

Fast forward to September 20th, 2025, Emily was about to experience the happiest surprise of her life. They had planned a trip to Kuiper's Family Farm in Maple Park, IL, continuing their beloved tradition of apple picking each year, always hoping for a bounty of Honeycrisp apples. After picking a half-peck of apples and sampling every variety along the way, Emily was ready to drop the apples off in the car to free her hands for a trip into the Orchard Shop to buy her favorite corn salsa. Quinn had other plans. He led her down a quiet aisle of the orchard, away from the crowds, and gently set the apples aside. Then, with a smile and a sparkle in his eyes, he pulled something from his pocket...a ring! He knelt and asked Emily to marry him. Overwhelmed with joy, she said yes, and in that moment, the world seemed to shine just a little brighter. Hand in hand, newly engaged, they lingered in the orchard, savoring the magic of the moment and the promise of a lifetime together. Emily then got to go in and buy her corn salsa.