In 2016 Emma transferred to Oregon State University as a sophomore and only knew one person. This friend was in a fraternity on campus and kindly introduced her to his friends. One of those friends was Hayden. He was extremely charismatic and loved by everyone around him, Emma was smitten. Hayden and Emma became friends by going to fraternity events together and being in a few of the same classes. In 2017 Emma realized she was in love with Hayden and he was falling as well; that year he asked her to be his girlfriend. Throughout the past 7 years they have made so many memories together and have grown in their relationship, home, and careers. They're so excited to celebrate their love with you in October of 2024.

Hayden got Emma and himself tickets for one day at a country music festival in Bend for her birthday. He told her that the day after they were going to go on a surprise backpacking trip. As they were driving to the backpacking location, Emma realized that they were headed to one of their favorite Mountains in their place of work along the North Umpqua River. Emma started to get a funny feeling that Hayden was going to ask her a very important question, but she knew if she said anything he wouldn't go through with it. In order to get to their backpacking destination, they had to hike 6 miles off trail. After having a few too many beers the day before they definitely experienced trials and tribulations along the hike. They also expected there to be more water along the hike, which was not the case, and they had their dog with them; let's just say he is well loved and got most of their water...When they finally got to their destination they were famished. Hayden asked Emma if she could get them water at the spring nearby while he found a place to camp for the night. In the midst of getting water Hayden came to the spring and told Emma he wanted to show her something. He led her to a plaque by the spring that someone had hiked in. The plaque was a memorial for someone's wife explaining that she was so loved in her life and brought him so much joy, and that this was her place and to cherish it. Hayden told Emma that he had been there before while working and when he saw this place and the plaque it took his breath away. He told Emma he knew he wanted to ask her to marry him there, and that is exactly what he did next. She said YES! The rest is history and the friends and family they have gained along the way deserve a great party this coming October.