The short story is that we met at a young adult book study at the Newman Center at St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Pasadena. Despite Brendan semi-avoiding Emily at dinner that night and forgetting her name when they ran into each other again 2 days later, they ended up spending the Fourth of July together over an eleven mile hike and sushi lunch. Brendan learned that Emily has no idea how to use chopsticks and Emily learned that Brendan is an excellent Boy Scout, farmer, and man of God. That weekend, they joined other friends for a trip to Universal Studios where Brendan famously agreed to go on the Studio Tour only if he could sit next to Emily (not suspicious at all). Emily had also absentmindedly left her phone at Church that morning, and Brendan felt he needed to take it upon himself to keep a close eye on her to make sure she didn't get lost (hmm). The following week Emily *accidentally* asked Brendan to go to a festival at the organic lavender fields with her, and a few days later Brendan asked Emily out for sushi (chopsticks again?!!). The longer story spans the whole USA and several months, as Brendan and Emily each prayerfully decided to make cross-country moves to Los Angeles - Brendan in December 2022 and Emily in May 2023. God was surely preparing each of our hearts to receive the gift of each other and to make gifts of ourselves to the other. Neither of us knew the gift that awaited us in Los Angeles and we give thanks to God for His awesome plan for our lives!

On Saturday morning, March 23rd, 2024, Brendan took Emily to the Los Angeles Arboretum, one of their go-to spots in LA for a dose of greenery and beauty. After wandering for a bit, he led her to the herb garden and to a bench beside lavender plants. As they were sitting and talking, Emily thought to herself, "Wow, this would be a great time to propose." Right after, Brendan stood up and pulled Emily up with him; she thought, "Oops, moment over." Brendan then proceeded to get down on one knee and ask Emily to marry him... and Emily couldn't stop laughing! (It's a Vincke trait, I promise!) She did manage to say yes at least ten times, though, and pretty soon a sweet spring rain started to fall. Life is good.