Although we were in two classes together our freshman year of college, we didn't actually meet until our sophomore year! The year was 2013 in their Chemistry 1 class, when Emma noticed Jim was in her class again. She worked up the courage to go and sit next to him and the rest is history (also a little nudge from our friend Ally didn't hurt!). From undergrad, to Jim moving to Canada for two years for his Masters Degree, to moving to Washington State, we have been through a lot together! We cannot wait to see what the next adventure holds for us, and we can't wait to celebrate with everyone on our special day!

Jim had known Emma was the one for quite sometime, but it wasn't until the year 2020 that he felt the time to propose was right. Jim didn't know how he wanted to propose, he only knew he wanted it to be a surprise for Emma (the queen against surprises). Eventually he set his eyes on a proposal during one of their regular hikes! But which one? Most of their local spots were well travelled, and Emma had always mentioned she wanted a private, intimate proposal. After going on hike after hike, the summer had come and gone without the ideal location presenting itself. It wasn't until Jim went for a hike at a new location with his old friend Therese, that he found the perfect location..along the beach below the Maurice River Bluffs! At this point, winter was coming and it was a tough sell getting Emma to agree to a hike in December with nightly lows below freezing! The hardest part was not letting her catch on, and preparing for the "last hike of the year". On December 18th, 2020 the soon to be engaged couple arrived at the Maurice River Bluffs Preserve in Millville, NJ. As they reached the decline down towards the beach, Jim hid his shock when he saw that the beach was no longer there! The beach had been eroded away and the couple was left staring down a steep bluff! Completely distraught, Jim kept up the guise and continued on the hike hoping to by some stroke of luck to find some portion of the beach remaining. Towards the end of the hike, when almost all hope was lost, they approached the new peak of the bluffs with a beautiful view overlooking the Maurice River. It was at this point Jim knew he had found the spot. When Emma turned around she found Jim on one knee, professing his love for her and asking for her hand in marriage!