Their first date was at a beach, so it felt right that their proposal would happen next to the coast too – they even had a photographer their to capture the special moment.
Tell us about the planning process for the proposal.
We talked about marrying each other early on and often talked about our wedding and what kind of ring we wanted. We even picked out our rings together because the other person is wearing it for the rest of their life, so they have to like it! Plus, it relieved some pressure too.
To throw Jess off my scent, I would tell her that I wasn’t ready to get married for another two or three years! Poor Jess wanted to get married ASAP, and I just had to tell a little white lie.
It was tough to keep it a secret since we told each other about everything!
She’s the number one person I go to for advice, and I couldn’t get her help, so it was challenging.
I hid the ring in my pajama drawer, and for the first few months of being together, I told her not to look in there because I had been hiding a secret wedding gift there, and she knew that!
What led you to Third Beach for the proposal?
Our first unofficial date was at a beach in Jasper. We biked down and made a sand castle with each other. It was such a beautiful day, too, and I loved that I was so comfortable around her, and we could just be kids together.
I had never been to Third Beach before, so two weeks before the proposal, Kiana (the photographer) and I went to go scout out some beaches. We went to Spanish Banks first, but it didn’t feel right. Then we went to Jericho Beach, which was good, but something was missing. I knew it was as soon as we got to Third Beach.
It was a quiet beach, the sand was gorgeous, and the view was even better!
What does your engagement mean to you both? Has anything changed?
We’ve wanted to get married very early on. We both knew we were each other’s person. I’m just excited to get married to my best friend finally. I know that’s a cliché thing to say your partner is your best friend, but Jess really is. She was my best friend even before we got together. It just solidifies our love for one another, and we’re so excited to celebrate with the people who love and support us. Not a lot has changed since even before the engagement, we discussed our wedding and what we wanted, but now we are actually making plans! So exciting!
Lastly, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Emily– I wanted to talk briefly about my family not coming to the wedding. I think many people see our engagement photos and how happy we are, and we truly are.
Still, it was hard for me at the very beginning not to be tainted by my family not being supportive of our relationship.
I grew up very Catholic, and coming out was challenging, to say the least. As much as I thought I wouldn’t care that my family won’t be coming, it has definitely been in my mind as of late.
I try to tell myself, though, that this will be the happiest day of my life and that they are missing out on this experience. I’m marrying the love of my life, and no one will make me feel like that is wrong, not even my family.
I just want any queer people getting married to know that as long as you’re happy, that is all that matters at the end of the day and that those unsupportive people are missing out. If they can’t be happy for you on the happiest day of your life, then you don’t need them in your life.
Photography by Kiana Bryn
