We met in 7th grade. Emma was the new kid and Ian was the skater boy. The first time Emma had ever hung out at a boy's house alone was in Ian’s basement and her parents walked her to the front door and introduced themselves to Ian’s parents. 12 years later, we can say our parents have developed the most beautiful relationship and will forever have a memorable first introduction. Same goes with us – we have been dating on and off since we met but have been best friends since the get. I (Emma) feel so indescribably fortunate to have this experience to get to know someone and love someone to this level. I think we both knew we were soulmates from a young age. I was just stubborn and made Ian wait 12 years.

We went to Gran Marais with both of our families. I was under the impression that it was for a big family vacation when everyone else knew there was a greater plan. I checked on the engagement ring incessantly as Ian left it on his nightstand taunting me. He left the engagement ring next to his bedside the morning we left - I checked multiple times before leaving the house, even pretending like I forgot something to go back to check. No engagement was happening that weekend in my mind. Little did I know that once we left, Ian sent a text message to my parents and they stealthily broke into our house, grabbed the engagement ring, and the plan was in motion. On Saturday the boys went swimming and I was bedridden due to having a little too much fun with the fam the night before. Once I got ready, I could tell that the energy changed a bit. Ian said he wanted to show me around the town being that I had never been before. We went into a few shops but he was antsy to get to the water. We went down to the lake and Ian taught me how to skip rocks. As I threw my first rock that actually skipped (woo!), I turned around to brag to Ian and he was on one knee and our families stood behind him. To say I was surprised is an understatement - I was and am still truly overwhelmed with joy to know that we are surrounded by so much love and support.