Evan & Emily met while in a clinical psychology doctoral program at Widener University outside of Philadelphia, PA. Evan had his eye on Emily from the moment he saw her, so when she moved to Media where he was living, he jumped at the opportunity to invite her to a barbecue that he was hosting. Months after that, Emily & Evan began to spend more time together--doing homework, listening to 90's alternative rock music, playing guitar & singing, going on walks, & hanging out at the beach in Margate City, NJ. Even over long distance, Evan & Emily continued to love each other & find new adventures everywhere they went.

Evan surprised Emily by taking her on a week-long cruise to the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, & the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. Two days in, Evan arranged for a photographer to accompany Emily & him to a more remote beach called Half Moon Cay for--what Evan referred to as--just a "photo shoot." At one point, the photographer asked Emily to turn around for a pose, & Evan was on one knee, holding a seashell open with an engagement ring inside: "Emily Johansen, will you marry me?"