Welcome, family and friends!

Long ago (2020, to be exact) in the City of Charleston, South Carolina, two people swiped right, which turned out to be the best decision of their lives. Emmi was in her second year of law school, and Ben had begun his long and intense Navy career, yet Ben’s diving experience and love of Thai food caught Emmi’s eye (and stomach). They walked along the beautiful pathways of Mount Pleasant, watched sunsets on Shem’s Creek, critiqued restaurants promising award-winning southern food (their least favorite cuisine), and helped each other study for tests (although Ben never needed help, he just liked her company). In the fall of 2021, Ben moved to San Diego, California, following military orders, and needed to deploy for the first time later that year. Emmi was 2,464 miles away, graduating from law school and planning to live in a city much closer to Ben after the Bar exam. During Ben’s first deployment, hundreds of emails were sent over an 8-month timespan, while only getting to FaceTime once during Ben’s stay in Guam. “I miss you…I miss you too”…” Be safe and come home ok?…..I promise Em”. In 2022, Ben returned safely from his first deployment, although Emmi was distraught by Ben’s horror stories about the food served on his sub. He went to visit her in Charleston, and they were reminded of how much togetherness was taken for granted. Ben went back to San Diego, and Emmi moved to D.C. for a new job (she also hated Charleston's weather and food). Ben came to help her move in, and they went to get their favorite meal together: Korean BBQ (unfortunately, the grill injured Ben’s eye, and Emmi wanted to sue the restaurant). From 2022 to 2025, Emmi and Ben flew over 50,683 miles to see each other, though sometimes it was only for a few hours of shared company and a meal. Countless hours on FaceTime, a second deployment during Thanksgiving and Christmas, 4 AirBnBs, hotels, and finally, they moved in together in a small one-bedroom in La Mesa, California. In August 2025, Ben orchestrated an extraordinary ocean-view proposal at his Grandparents' house in Marion, Massachusetts. The highlight of the evening was Ben’s choice of a seafood-themed private dinner, accompanied by her favorite desserts. This thoughtful experience turned out to be the most significant dinner of Emmi’s life. Ben and Emmi have moved to Massachusetts and are excited to start their life together with new opportunities and careers. However, regardless of Ben’s objections, Emmi will never choose Dunkin’ Coffee over Starbucks. Their wedding will be at the Greenbrier Resort on August 22, and they are so excited to share their wedding journey with their friends and family!