Catfish Days 2016. Bar Close. Emily had bartended all day and was out celebrating, waiting for a friend's mom (Mary Ecker- matron of the wedding venue, Ecker's Apples) who was the sober cab home. Jason was on duty, keeping the streets of Trempeleau safe and waiting to say hello to Mary. While talking with Simon and Jess (owners of the wedding side of Ecker's Apples), also waiting for Mary's cab home, Simon mentioned to Jason that, "it must be hard being single in the rural area". Emily, across the street overheard and came barreling in, yelling, "I'm single". The gusto grabbed Jason's attention and 2 days later he asked for her number. 3 days later was our first date, and the rest is history.

June 2021. We spent 10 days exploring the southern Maine coast, experiencing both the touristy and local side of things. Highlights included hiking and climbing mountains in Acadia National Park, exploring the seaside, fishing for lobster, meeting local lobster fishermen, eating lots of seafood, and even trying our hands at our own lobster cooking. Little did Emily know, the ENTIRE time, Jason had a ring in his pocket, disguised and kept safe in a dental floss container. He was waiting for the perfect moment and every time that he thought it was then, something would happen to get in the way (usually involving weather/fog). On the final night of the trip, in Portland Maine at a tiny chef owned restaurant Called the Blue Spoon, he proposed after we had arguably the best meal of the trip.