Jacob and Emily met in April 2016, when Emily moved to D.C. and joined Sands Capital. While the two socialized as coworkers, they didn't become close friends until later that fall, when they signed up for a half-marathon together. Emily was an avid runner, and Jacob wanted to do a race. As part of their training, they would go for long runs around the city, often stopping at parks, bars, and restaurants along the way. Emily credits Jacob for making D.C. feel like home, as he introduced her to many of her favorite spots. It would take some time for Jacob and Emily to explore a romantic connection beyond friendship. They gave dating a shot, and while a serious relationship didn't come to fruition right away, Jacob and Emily remained inseparable as colleagues and friends. They continued signing up for road races together, going on bike rides, ski trips, studying (both were in graduate school at Georgetown), trying new restaurants, watching Jets/Patriots games over Jacob’s homemade chili, being each other’s “plus-one” for various social events, traveling, binging on Netflix, and finally, their favorite, golfing together. If not a couple, they were always a duo. It wouldn't be until the fall of 2020 that Jacob and Emily would finally make the transition from duo to couple, when Jacob told Emily he loved her during a golf outing. They began dating seriously, disclosed their relationship to Sands Capital, and continued to enjoy not only their close friendship, but now a committed relationship. Jacob moved in with Emily the following summer, and proposed on September 12, 2021. He popped the question at a waterfront park in Old Town, near one of their favorite running trails.

Jacob enlisted his cousin, Melissa, to help on the big day. Melissa and Emily became good friends even before Jacob and Emily solidified their relationship, as they had met many times and bonded over their love for classic rock music. So, when Melissa texted Emily to plan a Sunday afternoon picnic, Emily didn’t think twice. Emily was ready for a girls day, but when Melissa told her to have Jacob join and make it a double date with Melissa's boyfriend, Jordan, Emily expected Jacob to decline. It was the first Sunday of NFL football, and anyone who knows Jacob knows Sundays are holy days (for football). To Emily’s surprise, not only did Jacob accept the invitation, but he seemed excited. He even dressed up, wearing a long-sleeved button-down on a hot September day. Not a word was muttered about missing the first Patriots game of the season. Jacob and Emily had brunch in Old Town and headed to Founders Park, where they expected to meet Melissa and Jordan. They arrived to a beautiful picnic off a familiar running path, surrounded by rose petals (unbeknownst to Emily, Jacob had set this up!). Before Emily could question what was going on, Jacob got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Melissa and Jordan captured the moment, which will be a treasured memory for years to come.