Emily and Tj’s story began long before either of them understood what fate had in store. They first met at just five years old at Virginia Lake, two kids whose paths continued to cross through t-ball, middle school, and eventually high school. Although they attended the same schools for years, they never shared a class—until freshman year. Everything changed in that English classroom. What started as casual conversation grew into a true friendship built on late-night essay revisions, Chemistry homework help, and Physics tutoring sessions. Tj knew from the moment he saw Emily at Palatine High School that they were meant to be together—though Emily wasn’t quite ready yet. After graduating from PHS as close friends, life sent them off in different directions. Emily headed to Indianapolis to attend Butler University, while Tj traveled to Ames to study at Iowa State. But distance couldn’t erase the connection they had built. When they both returned home after their freshman year, they met up to catch up on everything that had happened. As Tj likes to say, for the first time ever Emily was single—and timing was finally on their side. And just like that, Emily’s feelings finally caught up to Tj’s. He had always been there: cheering her on, supporting her, and making his affection known. On September 10, 2018, Tj asked Emily to officially be his girlfriend—and that was the beginning of their love story. They spent three years long-distance, separated by 8+ hours but brought together by every FaceTime date, sorority formal, spring break visit, and weekend trip they could manage. In the spring of 2021, they both graduated and reunited back home in Palatine, IL. Soon after, they celebrated their five-year anniversary with their first vacation as a couple to Charleston, SC. In the spring of 2024, Emily and Tj moved in together and later settled into their second apartment—with their beloved cat, Chrissy. They love to host guests, challenge each other to board/card games, watch Friends & How I Met Your Mother over and over again, go on walks in forest preserves, and try new restaurants. On May 10, 2025, after seven years together, Tj popped the big question on a perfect spring day surrounded by their loved ones. Now, they look forward to their next chapter—celebrating their wedding on October 10, 2026—and cannot wait to share such a special day with all of you.