We're getting Married!

They met when both of them were least expecting it, which is often when the best things happen. Finn made the first move by messaging Emma on Instagram. She kindly declined, and he understood, but he wasn't so easily swayed. The first time they actually saw one another and met in person, it was at a dive bar in college. They were formally introduced by a mutual friend from Whitworth (S'Go Bucs!). Finn was very charming, and they decided to go on a date the very next day! And then another, and another. They didn't really want to stop hanging out with each other, so they didn't. Then COVID hit, aka, not the best timing. But together, they navigated through the hard stuff (I'm sure you all remember how it was at the start of the pandemic), and decided to make it official in May of 2020. And then Finn graduated and moved back home to Albany, Oregon to figure out what life looked like for him post-grad. But Emma was still in Nursing school in Spokane, living with her best friends (now her bridesmaids!!). So they trudged through a little over two years of long distance. There were many phone calls, FaceTimes, letters, and weekend visits over those years. They really learned how to communicate, learn one another's love languages, and get creative in showing how each of them loved each other, and they loved each other really well. Every second was worth it, and neither of them would change a single thing about the beginning of their story.

Emma was invited to her first Carlson family vacation in Cabo. A big step for sure, which maybe should have been a hint... She was so excited, but had no clue what was in store for them. In true fashion, right before he popped the question Finn fell in the hotel pool, but he carried on! Finn then took Emma on a walk along the beach. He found the perfect spot, with the waves crashing and a beautiful sunset behind them, and told Emma to close her eyes. When she opened them, he was down on one knee, grinning from ear to ear, asking her to marry him! They celebrated with a family dinner, and have been over the moon ever since. The season of engagement has been very sweet, as they finally live in the same place again as of August 2022. Goodbye long distance, you will not be missed! And now you're here because they said yes to forever! We are so grateful and blessed to have so many people in our lives that we want to celebrate with us. We hope to see you at the altar as we continue to write our love story.

Emma graduated Nursing school from Washington State University in December of 2021, and is currently working at an outpatient clinic in Spokane Valley as their first Peds RN! Finn is currently in his first year of Law School at Gonzaga University, entering into his second year by the time the two are married, and is set to graduate in Spring of 2025. They will be here in Spokane while he is in school, and recently bought their first place together! They can’t wait to see what follows once that chapter of their lives comes to a close :)