John & Emily

John and Emily's love story began in Spring 2017 at FSU, introduced by mutual friends in Tallahassee's College Town. Despite hearing much about each other beforehand, an instant spark was evident when they finally met. Unaware that their coffee outing was intended as a "first date," John, prompted by friends, stepped up his game by inviting Emily for a day of sailing at the FSU Rez boat house the following week. This reattempt at a "first date" turned into a full-day adventure, including an afternoon sail, dinner, ice cream, and an evening walk in Cascades Park. Throughout the summer, they explored the local area and embarked on trips to the 30A coastline and St. Marks Lighthouse. Emily even introduced John to her family at her sister's wedding less than a month into their relationship. After completing their undergraduate degrees in 2018, they navigated challenges together, including John starting a business, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Emily's relocation to Atlanta for a new job. Moving to the big city strengthened their love, culminating in John proposing to Emily during a trip to Como, Italy in 2022. Excited about their shared passions for travel, activity, and time with friends, they look forward to a bright future as John pursues graduate school and Emily continues professional growth. Now, they share their lives with a little blue French bulldog named Hobbs.