Emily and Jake first met through the well-intentioned matchmaking of their friends, John and Nicole. Emily and Nicole worked together, while Jake and John were colleagues, and their friends were convinced the two just needed a gentle push to hit it off. So, with a bit of behind-the-scenes coordination, they set the stage. Jake, easygoing as ever, casually asked Emily out via Facebook message and the next week, they headed to their first date at Blue Point Sushi and Oyster Bar in Valparaiso. Emily, organized and detail-oriented, had the entire evening mapped out in her mind, from her sushi order to the smallest details, while Jake happily went along for the ride. Over shared appetizers (calamari) and easy conversation, it quickly became clear that their contrasting personalities balanced each other beautifully. What began as a friendly nudge from John and Nicole turned into an unexpected connection, one that both Emily and Jake were genuinely grateful to find!

I had been sleeping all weekend after returning from the Natural Helper's retreat but by Sunday night, I was finally feeling like a person again. Jake and I were making dinner and watching TV when Jake asked if I wanted to go for a walk, so while we were waiting for food to cook we did a lap around the block. When we got back, I went inside through the front door, and he said he was going around back to take out the trash. I went in, kicked off my shoes, and went back into the kitchen to check on dinner and he was standing at the back door. The moment I walked in, he called me over and when I made it to him, he kneeled down and asked me to marry him. So simple, but so meaningful. It was perfect.

I asked Emily to marry me. She said yes.