We met through mutual friends in Charlotte, North Carolina who, looking back, were clearly hoping we’d hit it off. Although we both knew we were from Syracuse, New York, we didn’t actually meet until our lives brought us to Charlotte. Our first real introduction happened at a group dinner at Ink & Ivy, where an instant connection was impossible to ignore. Not long after, Emma moved to Charlotte, and about a year and a half later we reconnected, this time for good. From that point on, everything felt natural. Our first official date was at The Manchester, followed by drinks at a local wine bar, that turned into the kind of night where time seemed to disappear. We quickly became inseparable, spending nearly every weekend together and eventually navigating the pandemic side by side. Over the years, our relationship deepened as we supported one another through life’s milestones—moving in together, traveling the world with friends, and celebrating Emma earning her Master’s degree after two years of graduate school. We balance each other perfectly: one of us brings energy and adventure, while the other brings calm, strength, and grounding. At the heart of it all is a friendship built on trust, love, and unwavering support. After five wonderful years together, Ken proposed on our anniversary, January 11th, in Romare Bearden Park. The celebration continued with a surprise gathering of our closest family and friends at Merchant & Trade—a moment that captured everything we love about our journey. We are incredibly grateful for the life we’ve built together and can’t wait to celebrate with all of you as we begin this next chapter.