Emma and Paul met during their first semester at SUNY Cortland in 2012. They were “just friends” (no, really) throughout their college years. Their friendship started during walks to and from their Writing Studies class, where they would discuss all the things. During the rest of their time at Cortland, after Emma convinced Paul to switch majors to Therapeutic Recreation, they took most of the same classes. At the beginning of each semester, they would talk on the phone to coordinate their schedules so they could take the same classes. After walking to class together, they would make sure to sit next to each other in class. During their 4 years at Cortland, Emma and Paul remained great friends and learned a lot about each other. After Cortland, they both went their separate ways... each moving to a different city. However, during this time they would stay in contact and still check in on each other. In 2020, Paul moved back to the Syracuse area. Emma was still living in Charleston. The two began talking much more consistently, which eventually became daily. Emma decided to move back to Syracuse in the summer of 2020. That is when the two began dating and got to skip the 20 questions phase because of their years of friendship. Since 2020, Emma and Paul have experienced a wonderful life and relationship together. Getting to know each other and their families and friends more, going on vacations, living together, and taking care of Grandpa Harry’s cat. They have supported each other's growth over these years. Paul finished his Masters and works as a school counselor, while Emma works with her dad in the real estate rental business. Emma and Paul got engaged while on vacation in September 2023. They both realized over a decade of friendship that they are each other's perfect match. We thank you all for sharing this day to celebrate Emma and Paul!