We like to say we were a 'COVID love story' because we met at the beginning of lockdown. Our relationship from the start has been full of so much joy & hope amidst what has been a difficult and confusing time for the world.


Here is a snippet into our story:

Emily & Parker’s 6 to 8 hour dates were a telling sign that their relationship was something they wanted to stick around for. The conversations went deep quickly. Parker was intrigued with Emily's directness and her heart to ask the tough questions early on. She may have swooped him off his feet after their first date. After they parted ways that evening, he went to his car and thought to himself, “Emily is the woman I will marry.” Her passion, feistiness and zest for life couldn't keep him away. He had never been so confident and almost two years later, his thought in the car that summer evening is now becoming a reality. Emily quickly realized Parker was rare. His curiosity, intelligence, gentle spirit and bright- blue eyed eyes immediately drew her in. He reminded her of her dad Andrew, which she never thought anyone would have the potential to match up to. Her parents unique love story of 30 years of marriage was one she always desired and prayed for. It's hard to live up to high school sweet hearts now a days!


Emily’s mom encouraged her to write out a list of the qualities she needed in a future husband when she was 19. Shortly after she met Parker, she reflected on that list and he embodied just about every single characteristic she had wrote down. It was a sweet reminder that all those tears & prayers of meeting her future someone was actually possible. God was just using different people and situations all along to guide her. Parker had a similar standard and experience with the example his parents, Rick and Sherry set for him & his brothers. Their 35 years of marriage is the epitome of Christ’s love and he knew he needed to search for it. It may have taken learning the hardships of life and continued patience, but they wouldn’t change those ‘pruning’ seasons because it brought them together. Their love for Jesus, deep family values, heart to serve in their helping field professions and affinity for good food have continually allowed them to bond. Although Emily can be incredibly indecisive, she has never been so sure of her love and future with sweet Parker.


Emily & Parker have wanted to build their relationship on a foundation of sacrificial love and a verse they have lived by is Romans 12:10 which says, "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Our hope is that our love story reflects that of Christ's love for us. We cannot wait to start this next chapter of our lives surrounded by all of our special people.