Emily and Nick surprised attendants at their small engagement party on Sunday, July 25, 2021 by getting married!

Nick and Emily met amongst friends on the DePaul University quad on September 26, 2013. After an evening of laughter, Nick offered to walk Emily and her friend the five minutes back to their dorm hall. Once there, he asked for Emily's number. A few group and solo chill sessions later, they shared their first kiss. A few months later, they shared their first "I love you" and have never stopped saying it since. In their time together, they've shared four apartments, three degrees, two dogs, and an infinite amount of adventures big and small. The COVID-19 pandemic put a heavy amount of strain on them as individuals as well as on their relationship, as they know it did for so many around the world. However, with the help of some good introspection and a commitment to working on enhanced communication, they were able to come out of it healthier and happier than ever. On July 2, 2021, they had just arrived in Galena for a long weekend vacation in one of their favorite places. They went on a bike ride along the Galena River Trail. Near the end of their ride, they stopped for a break at a picnic bench, where Nick got down on one knee and asked Emily to marry him and Emily said "Yes"! After a couple weeks of researching many lovely venue options, they quickly realized that not only did they not want to do the big wedding, but they didn't want to wait so long either. They felt as though COVID had taken a year from them and they wanted to take it back. So, they decided to turn their small engagement party with their closest friends and family into a surprise wedding! In a matter of 6 days, they hired an officiant, got their marriage license, chose their outfits for the day, and even got rings to exchange. The day was beautiful, exciting, and full of love - just as they wanted. They look forward to celebrating with those who could not be in attendance for the rest of their lives through their life-long relationships and love.