Emily and Matt met during their junior year at Furman University at one of Emily’s ADPi sorority events—the legendary “Mallard Ball.” Dressed for the theme and not expecting anything beyond a fun night, they were introduced by a mutual friend and immediately hit it off, sharing easy laughter. With Matt on the lacrosse team and Emily on the equestrian team—not to mention busy class schedules—weeks went by without seeing each other again. Then fate stepped in. Matt spotted Emily in the Furman dining hall and asked her out on an official date—and that’s when their story truly began. From that day forward, their relationship grew through dinner dates, movie nights, cheering each other on at their various sporting events, and quiet library study sessions. By the end of the semester, they were officially a couple. In spring of 2019, Emily left for a three-month study abroad program in Costa Rica. Being apart wasn’t easy, but they stayed connected—and when summer rolled around, they were back on campus for internships and classes, making the most of every moment together. Senior year arrived quickly, and while they were busy creating memories and dreaming about their future, life threw them an unexpected challenge: COVID-19. In an instant, their final semester was cut short. They returned to campus only to pack up and head home—Emily to Charlotte, NC, and Matt to Houston, TX—unknowingly beginning what would become six years of long-distance love. Through it all, they never gave up on each other. Matt went on to pursue his MBA at Wake Forest University, while Emily worked as a medical assistant and prepared to apply to PA school. After business school, Matt moved to Washington, D.C., beginning his career as a consultant with Grant Thornton, and Emily began her next chapter as a PA student at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. The miles between them only grew—but so did their commitment. With countless flights, long drives, and nightly FaceTime calls, they never let distance define their relationship. Instead, it deepened their connection and tested their resilience in the most meaningful way. Once Emily graduated from MUSC, it seemed the distance might finally be ending—until life offered one more adventure. Emily was accepted into a prestigious one-year General Surgery Residency program at Duke University. Another move. Another challenge. Another chapter. And once again, they showed up for each other. Then, last winter, Matt planned the ultimate surprise. On a chilly December evening, he proposed to Emily at the Christmas tree farm Emily’s family has visited for nearly 25 years. With loved ones secretly watching from behind the boughs of trees, Emily said a tearful and heartwarming yes. The proposal was followed by a surprise engagement party surrounded by their closest friends and family—it was the most heartfelt and perfect day of their lives. This October, Emily will complete her fellowship at Duke University and move to Washington, D.C.—and after six years of long-distance love, they’ll finally be in the same place, ready to build a life side by side. Their journey hasn’t been traditional, but it has been unwavering. Through every mile, every goodbye, and every “see you soon,” their love has grown stronger, steadier, and more rooted in trust and devotion. From the very beginning, they knew this was a forever kind of love—and now, they can’t wait to celebrate the beginning of forever with all of you