Rayden and Emma met during military training during the summer of 2024. Over the course of three months, they got to know each other before Rayden was stationed in Guam and Emma returned to Mississippi to finish her last two years of college. Even with the distance, they stayed connected through regular phone calls, FaceTimes, and text messages, continuing to grow their relationship over the next year. In July of 2025, Emma spent a month with Rayden in Florida, giving them their first extended time together in person since their training. That time confirmed what they already knew, and they decided they wanted to get married. After July, Rayden returned to Guam and spent several months talking with Emma’s dad, Will, through phone calls. Those conversations meant a lot to both of them, and in November of 2025, Rayden traveled 7,536 miles to ask for Will’s permission to marry Emma. Soon after, Rayden proposed, and Emma said yes. They will be married on May 30, 2026. After the wedding, Emma will join Rayden in Guam until September of 2027, where Rayden will continue his military service as they begin this next chapter together.