Emily had started a new teaching job at East Holmes and decided to coach freshman volleyball with a family friend, Kelly Miller. She also coached alongside Megan, the varsity assistant. Kelly — the varsity coach and a family friend to both — and Megan, who also happens to be Jared’s sister, played a bit of matchmaker. Kelly asked Emily if she’d be open to meeting Jared, while Megan floated the idea to him. Since both were interested, Jared came to one of Emily’s games. That’s where they finally met and made plans for their first date. Fast forward to June 2025: the two took a summer trip to Virginia Beach to visit Emily’s sister and brother-in-law, Bekah and Patrick. What Emily didn’t know was that Jared was planning a surprise engagement! Volleyball brought these two together — and also brought them two of the cutest fur babies, Mr. Finn and Mr. Pickle.