Our story begins in March 2015. Emily was spending most of her time studying and listening to One Direction while John was just getting out of the US Army basic training. UCLA’s Student Alumni Association was putting on its annual “Dinner for 12 Strangers” event where alumni would host 11 current students at their homes for dinner. Emily signed up hoping to make new friends and John signed up to get a free meal.

The stars aligned and not only were we assigned to the same alumna’s home in Pasadena, CA, but we also ended up sitting next to each other at dinner where we felt an immediate connection and only talked to each other the entire night. Emily proceeded to rat out John to the entire table by telling them he didn’t finish his vegetarian lasagna (which John continues to assert was gross). Somehow that didn’t stop John from texting Emily the next day and asking her out.

As we grew closer together, we bonded over our love for hiking, bread, afternoon tea, and the show, Parks and Recreation (however now we prefer The Office). We also introduced each other to new things. John introduced Emily to Star Wars and Emily introduced John to a study schedule.

The next 8 years flew by. We moved in together, graduated college, started working our first real jobs, traveled to different countries, and became work from home buddies during the pandemic. Finally in January 2023, John popped the question on a sunny winter day in Toronto.

It’s been a whirlwind of a journey and we’ve cherished every moment. We’re grateful for the serendipity that brought us together and are eager for the chapters yet to unfold. We can’t wait to celebrate our past, present, and future with you on our wedding weekend!