Some love stories begin with a spark. Emma and Jake’s began with a childhood crush — one that quietly grew, waited patiently, and blossomed into a forever kind of love.
How Their Story Began
Emma and Jake first met in the 6th grade. Jake insists she was the first girl he ever fell in love with — at just 11 years old. Over the years, they became inseparable friends, growing up side-by-side through school and college. Even when life took Emma to Arkansas, distance never dimmed their connection.
Then came the phone call that changed everything.
“One night my phone rang and it was Jake,” Emma shared. Three hours later, a flight was booked. She flew to the Chicago region, looked at the boy she had known for twenty years, and finally told him, “I love you.” As Jake says… “FINALLY!”And the rest unfolded naturally, beautifully, exactly as it was meant to.
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The Proposal — A Perfect Winter Surprise
Jake proposed on December 22, 2024, on a freezing winter morning in downtown Chicago. After leaving the city, Emma thought they were simply stopping by to visit his grandma. Instead, Jake suggested they “make a quick pit stop to see a friend at Midwest.”
That pit stop turned into the surprise of a lifetime.
When Emma walked in, she found her parents and friends — who had traveled all the way from Arkansas and Texas — waiting to celebrate their engagement. Jake had orchestrated the perfect moment, filled with family, joy, and love.
“It was perfect,” she says.
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Wedding Planning — Personal Touches & Pixar Magic
Emma’s favorite part of planning? Adding meaningful little details — especially involving their beloved dogs.
She even gave ChatGPT a shout-out for turning their pups into Pixar-style characters for the bar menu, a detail guests absolutely adored. The small touches made their day feel uniquely personal, playful, and heartfelt.
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A Wedding Day Filled With Emotion
Emma and Jake exchanged vows at Anthony Chapel, nestled within the stunning Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas. With soaring glass walls, golden light, and a natural forest backdrop, their ceremony felt straight out of a fairytale.
But the moment that stole everyone’s hearts came later at the reception.
Their wedding day shared a special date — her dad and stepmom’s 11th wedding anniversary. They originally eloped and never had a reception, so Emma planned a surprise that brought joyful tears all around. She dedicated her bouquet to her stepmom, inviting her onto the dance floor. Then she brought her dad up, too.
As their song began to play, Emma and Jake introduced them — officially — for their very first dance as husband and wife.
“My stepmom has been an integral part of my life after losing my mom as a teenager,” Emma said. “This was a really special moment for all of us.”
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Emma’s Best Wedding Advice
“Act like your wedding is a month before it actually is.”
Emma got everything done early, which meant wedding week was stress-free.
“My friends and family joked that I was the calmest bride they’d ever seen,” she laughed. “(They didn’t see me in crazy mode the month before!)”
Her approach allowed her to fully enjoy the process, the moments, and the joy around her.