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EMILY BURNEY

JOURNAL Entry

Our Love Story

EMILY BURNEY IS A FILM AND DIGITAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER WHO SPECIALIZES IN CAPTURING WEDDING DAYS, WHEREVER THEY MAY TAKE YOU.

“When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.”

Emerson and I first met in the summer of 2009 at a mutual friend’s home, but it wasn’t until we happened to be at the same ultimate frisbee game that we had our first real encounter. I’m not going to lie, I was immediately interested in Emerson, he was handsome and I could tell he was awesome person right away. Not to mention he was wearing this ridiculous multicolored hat (a real eye-catcher) that let me know he had personality too.

It wasn’t until nearly a year later that we would really meet again, but once we did we became best friends. Movies, dinners, disc golf in the park. That’s what marked our first summer as friends – then came fall and Emerson moved to Norman to attend the University of Oklahoma. We hung out a few times over the semester and had multiple four + hour Skype chats…then came winter break.

And let me tell you, it was the best winter break ever.

By the time school had ended, we were both falling for each other. After Emerson finished his last final that semester, he drove straight to Tulsa not stopping until he was in my driveway. That’s when we became official. Emerson, the very practical, logical type, told me he wanted to date me, but that he understood that long distance relationships could be really difficult, and he would understand if, after he went back to school, I wanted to call it quits. I just smiled, rolled my eyes and told him, “if we start dating we aren’t breaking up.”

The following years resulted in many fun times, many growing times, and ultimately the realization that we were a perfect match for one another.
“I have found the one my soul loves.”

HOW HE PROPOSED

A week before Emerson proposed he had called me and asked if I would like to go on a date with him the following Monday. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, how official and sweet! I knew it must be something fun. Fast forward a week later, I woke up to a knock on my door and Emerson with four boxes of crepes from Mod’s, my all time favorite breakfast food, for us to share with my family. Needless to say, I was delighted.

As we were all sitting at the table he handed me a note all rolled and wrapped in gold ribbon. Inside was one of the sweetest letters I’ve ever gotten. How I got so lucky to snag a guy like him I’ll never know. After breakfast was over he told me he had to go but he would see me that night for our date.

As we were all sitting at the table he handed me a note all rolled and wrapped in gold ribbon. Inside was one of the sweetest letters I’ve ever gotten. How I got so lucky to snag a guy like him I’ll never know. After breakfast was over he told me he had to go but he would see me that night for our date.

My sister had “nonchalantly” mentioned wanting to get her nails done, and asked if I would be interested in getting mine done for my Christmas present. I eagerly agreed, as I had already been wondering about what would happen that night. On the way back from the salon Chandler tossed another note into my lap. I opened it and it was even kinder than the last letter, and this one held cash and told me to go buy something new that I would feel pretty in for our date that night. Now I was really curious.

So I went shopping and picked out a dress for the night with my sister and mom. When we got back I walked into a beautiful display of white roses, champagne, and another yet sweeter note. My family shared the champagne and soon after Emerson came to pick me up. I was so happy to see him, not to mention how handsome he looked. We said our goodbye’s and headed to Yoko Zuna the location of one of our first dinners out together.

The date was sweet and the company perfect, and the fourth and final note was simply a delight to receive. Then came the end of our dinner. I had waited, and I anticipated, yet no “big question“ had come. We got the check, still no question, we walked to the car, still no question. We buckled in and he asked me, “so what do you want to do now?” With that my heart sunk for a split second, I had been almost certain he was going to propose! I quickly brushed off the expectation and suggested going to his house to watch a movie, to which he agreed though he had seemed slightly surprised.

We walked into the house and I saw Emerson’s mother and sister, sitting in the living room, both with huge smiles on their faces. I said hello, at this point expectation is creeping back up and Emerson’s hand is in mine. We walked in further, and there was his father with a huge smile. We turned the corner, and there was my whole family sitting there with more smiles.

That’s when I started tearing up…

Emerson led me to the end of the room and the next thing I knew he got down on one knee and said “Emily, I love you so much. I think we were made to be together. I’m ready for that. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” Or at least he said something like that. I honestly don’t remember because I had started really crying and the whole moment passed like a blur. I do distinctly remember him saying “will you marry me?” to which I, of course, said yes! He laughed and said “you haven’t even seen the ring yet!” and I responded with a sobby “I don’t care!” All that mattered is that we were committing to forever, and in a moment I went from being a girlfriend to a fiancé.

And the tears didn’t stop for another thirty minutes.

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Hi, I'm Emily

The artist, documentarian, and director of your unforgettable days.

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