It was early summer 2020 when Brooke's life-long friend (Anna Johnson, now Stelter) and Emmit's roommate (Andrew Stelter) schemed up a plan to introduce us. As two of our favorite people, we knew we could trust their recommendation (and background check). Emmit and his roommates hosted a BBQ which was the first social gathering any of us had for months due to the pandemic. We all knew the sole reason we were there. Emmit pulled out all the stops to impress - a spotless apartment, a pitcher of sangria, and showed off his talent in the kitchen. We hit it off right away. Through Anna, Brooke was giddy to find out that "she checked all the boxes". Our first 1:1 date was at Centennial Lakes and just so happened to be the day after Emmit picked up Kicker, his mini golden retriever puppy. They were a package deal, and it was hard to resist. 2020 was a year to remember!

The North Shore of Minnesota has always been one of Brooke's favorite places - full of annual traditions and family trips. The first fall we were dating, we planned a trip together to Lutsen, MN. This turned into a new annual tradition of our own - a fall weekend getaway filled with stunning fall colors, hiking, fly fishing, and enjoying the beauty of the North Shore. As Emmit began to plan his proposal, he knew there was only one place to do it - a place that held such a special place in Brooke's heart and in our relationship. Months of secret planning led to a secluded, private beach on Lake Superior, with a bonfire and cozy set up. That weekend, we shared the best day with some of the most vibrant fall colors we've seen - complete with hiking, a gondola ride, and the alpine slide of course. The plan to go to the winery before dinner was quickly thwarted when Emmit took an unexpected turn off the main road. As we got out of the car, Brooke knew something was up and and grabbed Emmit's shaking hand. Once we got down onto the sand, every plan to "play it cool" left Emmit's head, and all he could do was get down on one knee and ask the most important question of his life. A big "YES! Of course I will!!!" and the biggest hug sealed the deal. We spent the rest of the evening on the beach at the bonfire, taking in the breathtaking scenery of Lake Superior, drinking champagne and talking about all of the times Brooke almost uncovered the surprise. We were truly on cloud 9. The North Shore and Tofte Cove became even more special that weekend.