Back in college at the University of Maryland, Emily and Stephen’s sorority and fraternity became close during Greek Week 2013, a week-long competition of games and social events. Throughout that fall, they continued to get to know each other, becoming quick friends with a shared sense of humor and love of late night Jimmy John’s subs. During the next year, Stephen and Emily continued to grow close, and cut it close… with Stephen almost hitting Emily with his car when she decided to take up roller blading (he has since made sure Emily always looks both ways). The two shared many more non-life-threatening laughs as well. Finally, in the summer of 2014, Emily and Stephen realized they liked each other more than just friends (Emily even told her friend Cristina she planned to marry Stephen), and the rest is history!

Fast forward five years, three states, and an island later, the two were finally living together in Brooklyn, New York. Throughout the fall of 2018, Emily patiently watched as many of her and Stephen’s friends got engaged. To make it up to Emily because he wasn’t proposing anytime soon, as well as to celebrate her finishing finals, Stephen took Emily out for a night on the town. To no one’s surprise, Emily got her hair done and threw on one of her many engagement outfits (just to test it out, of course), and they headed out to a French restaurant in Brooklyn Heights. Stephen played it cool (although, don’t ask him what he ate – he doesn’t even remember dinner), and suggested a drink at the 1Hotel following their dinner. Through a light drizzle, the two walked along the promenade overlooking lower Manhattan. To Emily’s confusion and dismay (she got a blowout, after all), Stephen continued to suggest they put the umbrella down – they did not. Off in the distance, Emily spotted unfamiliar lights. Nonchalantly (Stephen was freaking out), Stephen suggested they go check it out. As the two got closer, the song Perfect, by Ed Sheeran became clear, as did small votive candles set up in a circle. Stephen led Emily into the circle and asked if they could put the umbrella down now… she agreed that was a good idea. Through happy sobs, Emily said YES to Stephen’s long-awaited proposal. Following this special moment, Stephen led Emily to a nearby bar where the couple’s closest friends and family were waiting to celebrate!