Emily and Kyle were lucky enough to find each other in part by chance and in part by the help of some very good friends. While the two were attending rival schools—Emily at Michigan State and Kyle at University of Michigan—Emily's good friend, Kelly, set Emily up with Kyle. Kelly’s then boyfriend (now husband), David, was in Pike with Kyle at Michigan, and the fraternity was planning a formal date party in Chicago. Kelly wanted Emily to join as Kyle’s date, and Emily said “yes!” In March of 2018, Kyle and Emily set sail not just on a cruise down the Chicago River, but also on their relationship. No more than a month later on April 14, 2018, Kyle asked Emily to be his girlfriend.


First Picture together at Kyle's Formal in Chicago

By the Summer of 2018, both had graduated from their respective schools and had plans to jet-set around the world; Emily to Europe, and Kyle to Asia. Kyle met up with Emily in Portugal in July, where they spent a couple of weeks visiting Lisbon, Porto, and the beaches of South Portugal.

Lisbon, Portugal

Kyle, who had recently started working at United Airlines, got down on one knee for the first time, not to propose, but to ask Emily to be his flight buddy. She said “yes!” This would set the stage for many vacations to come, including Banff, Hawaii, Glacier National Park, Belize, South Africa, and more.

Banff, Canada

Hawaii

Glacier National Park

South Africa

Their relationship was put to the test during their time living apart as they started their careers, with Emily in Denver working for Whirlpool, and Kyle in Chicago working for United. This time apart showed them how much they wanted and needed to be together in the same place. In March 2020, Kyle found out he would be working from home due to the pandemic; he hopped on the first flight to Denver to be with Emily. A few months later, he made it official by packing his things and moving out West too.

In the winter of 2021, the two bought their first house together, which was soon followed by the introduction of their first family member, Tuck. Over the next year, Kyle and Emily traveled together, trained Tuck, and renovated their house into a home.

In front of their new house with Tuck

By the end of 2022, it was clear that the two were meant to be. Kyle set into motion his plan to propose, reaching out to family to plan the surprise. Emily knew it was coming, but she didn’t know when; Kyle decided to propose almost exactly five years after the two started dating, on April 15th, 2023.

With the date set, family members invited, and a ring bought, Kyle’s plan was in motion. The two arrived in Sea Girt, New Jersey on Friday, with the proposal planned for the next day. After breakfast at Breakers, Kyle suggested the two take a walk on the beach. An unsuspecting Emily wondered why they would take a walk on such a windy and foggy day, but acquiesced to Kyle’s idea. Once on the beach, Kyle got down on one knee and popped the question; Emily (of course) said “yes!” The two continued up the beach to Kyle’s Grandparent’s home, where the two were met with family and festivities to celebrate the wonderful news.

The engagement in Sea Girt, NJ

Through trips around the world together to their time apart, Emily and Kyle found home in each other. They learned how to be the best partners they could be for each other, and they fell in love. The two look forward to continuing their story and celebrating their love with you all on October 19th, 2024.