Welcome to Ian and Emily's Celebration

We became really good friends the latter half of our first semester at Furman. We spent a lot of time in the James B Duke Library together doing our “homework”, assignments that should have taken 20 minutes took hours, as we stayed talking and laughing for hours with each other and friends. Although we did not start dating until later, we both knew we were going to get married. Our first date was to a UNC basketball game. They lost to Boston College by 1 point in a heartbreaking loss (with a few referee malfunctions), but that didn’t seem to faze us – we enjoyed every minute of the day. We ate at the restaurant 'Top of the Hill', went to the bathroom a combined 17 times (we were both very nervous and excited), and had frostys from Wendy's. It was a day neither of us will ever forget. Weeks later we were sent home from school due to the pandemic and spent the first 6 moths of our relationship distanced. Although the distance was challenging, we never questioned our relationship, we were confident in our love and continued to build it upon the love of Christ. It was not easy learning to date from 400 miles away, but it was an unforeseen challenge that only made us stronger and surer of each other. Throughout our time at together, we have learned more about each other and the Lord then we could have imagined. We had talked about marriage for a while, and in August, Ian bought a ring and planned the whole proposal down to the minute. With an unforeseen rainstorm, Ian proposed in the pouring rain – both of us soaking and dripping of water. It was a beautiful reminder that no matter how much you plan to make it the most special and perfect moment, God is in control – and he gave us a moment we will never forget. Water is the perfect symbol for our relationship, growth. We are so excited to celebrate with you God’s awesome gift of marriage.