It was a hot summer night in August, 2018 when Emily and Collin found themselves unwinding at the same watering hole in Athens, Georgia. They were both working on their doctorate degrees at the University of Georgia and had not yet crossed paths, despite sharing a handful of mutual friends. Collin recognized several faces on Emily's Genetics Department bar crawl, and Emily knew the circle of friends Collin was out with. Collin wasted no time marching up to Emily to ask what she'd like to drink. Their groups merged, and Emily and Collin were lost in conversation all night. Collin immediately knew he couldn't let this one go, and Emily "I'll Never Date a Scientist" was totally smitten. Emily and Collin continued to date as they finished their dissertations, briefly living together in Athens before Collin moved to Raleigh for work. After a year of long distance, a job opportunity close to Emily's home brought them up to Washington, D.C. Jarred by the lack of dive bars and cheap beer, they hopped across the river to Alexandria, Virginia where they currently reside with their dog, Bailey.

Emily and Collin were on a trip to western North Carolina for a little mountain getaway over the 4th of July. On their way to the cabin, they decided to revisit a favorite hike of theirs in Linville Gorge. They were enjoying Pub Subs on the summit of Hawksbill Mountain when a stranger spontaneously offered to take their photo. Collin swears this lucky moment was completely unplanned! As Collin handed the man his phone, he quietly gave him a heads up that he planned to propose. As Emily tried to wrangle Bailey, Collin dropped to his knee on a ledge in front of the stunning vista. Emily, shocked and struggling to keep her balance atop the jagged surface in gusty winds, immediately said Yes! After popping prosecco and savoring the moment, Emily and Collin descended the mountain and continued their journey to the cabin. Upon their arrival, Emily was surprised to find their families and friends waiting inside! The happy couple enjoyed a most special celebration with loved ones after a perfect day in a place they love.