We would love to share a little glimpse of our love with you…
How We Met
Braden and Emeline have a very unique first interaction, one that both of them hold very close to their hearts. They often hesitate to tell it, but have realized overtime how uniquely beautiful it truly is. Perfectly displaying the heart of Braden Black. Braden and Emeline met on August 21th, 2021. It was the first week back at school for Baylor University. Emeline was starting her Sophomore year and Braden was a Junior. Her freshman year was the worst year of her life. She was faced with many obstacles, challenging people and horrible memories. Emeline was left with a lot of fear, mostly fear of this exact moment happening. A moment where she would have to face being in the same space as that one person again. The moment had come, Emeline began to panic. She wanted to run, couldn’t find her friends and was too overwhelmed to find an exit. A handsome young man saw her in her weakest moment, desperately crying in front of a crowd of people. From across the way, Braden walked straight up to her and gently said “Are you okay? Do you need help?” This one moment completely changed the trajectory of their lives. Not only because they had finally met, but because Braden saved Emeline. Braden then talked to Emeline, distracting her with his presence in a way that made her feel a safety she had never felt. His presence was comforting and she knew she was safe. She would now be taken care of for the rest of her life. Braden grabbed her hand and walked her right out of there, not even waiting a whole day before asking her on a date. Without Braden’s heart and abundant kindness, Emeline and Braden never would have met.
“I don’t know what I would have done without Braden, I know that the Lord sent him to me to change my life. A direct gift from God. Without Braden I wouldn’t know what love is supposed to feel like. I wouldn’t know a love that is sacrificial, kind, and all encompassing. Most importantly I wouldn’t know the Lord. Braden’s heart began to change my life the moment I met him, and I am the luckiest girl in the world to be loved by this man every day of my life.”
-Emeline
Braden formally asked Emeline on their first date. He invited her to one of his favorite restaurants, Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant. They both remember being so nervous! Emeline wanted to order the most “ladylike” thing possible, so she opted for the Taco Salad. It came in a huge bowl made out a taco shell, and it was in fact very messy. Braden ordered his go-to, which was a shredded chicken quesadilla. They talked and laughed at this exact table nearly three year ago. As much as Ninfa’s will always be sentimental to Emeline, she does in fact hate Ninfa’s and routinely begrudges going back. Braden of course still loves it and always requests it. He was rewarded with his Ninfa’s queso and chicken quesadilla, at the end of this photoshoot.
Our First Date
“I remember being incredibly nervous for our first date, and afterwards, feeling even more nervous because I knew I couldn’t let her go. Since that day, it was my number one priority to make sure she felt my love in every way possible”. -Braden
Adopted Maggie Mae
A few months after Emeline and Braden started dating they went to visit a friend who worked at the Humane Society of Central Texas. When they approached their friend she was holding this scared little dog named Lulu Belle. She was just too cute. Emeline sat on the ground to hold her and Lulu Belle curled right up in her lap. Every time she tried to pick up the dos and move her off of her lap, she would run right back and curl in the tiniest ball. Emeline looked at Braden with pleading eyes every time it happened. Braden thought it was adorable, of course, but still said there was no way they could bring her home. They spent some more time with Lulu Belle and gave her back to their friend who put the dog back in her sad cage. While they were still in the room another perspective family showed interest in the dog. She was cowered in her cage looking right at Emeline and Braden. That did it! Braden looked at their friend and said, “We’ll take her home.”
But! Just to foster of course! Emeline later came up with the name Maggie Mae, and she joined her forever home. There was no way they would ever bring Miss Maggie Mae back to the shelter. She is the biggest love bug who just wants to be cuddled up to you at all times. Miss Maggie Mae is their best friend and the best addition to their little family.
When school began to pile up, Emeline and Braden were both working jobs and serving at church multiple days a week. Life felt hectic and they needed a moment to stop time together. One Monday night, Braden took Emeline to Health Camp to get some milkshakes. It ended up being so special they decided to do it every Monday night that followed. Emeline would always get a banana milkshake, which Braden hated more than anything! Braden is happiest when he’s very far away from anything Banana flavored. Since Health Camp is also by Baylor, this has become a very sentimental spot for the two of them. They still enjoy coming to share a sweet treat, on Mondays of course.
“Monday night’s with Emmy were filled with some of my favorite memories and conversations that we’ve shared together. Her laughter and warm smile that she brought every Monday night was even sweeter than the treat we enjoyed with each other. I will always cherish and remember these milkshake dates!” -Braden
Milkshake Mondays
As Emeline and Braden grew in their faith, they decided it was important to them to live according to God and his intentions for dating before marriage. When it was time for them to move our of their college homes they thought of the perfect plan. They would become neighbors! Emeline was hesitant to live completely alone, but they knew they needed to live their lives separately until they become one. They searched and searched and found an adorable apartment that would house them both side by side. What could be more perfect? While this experience is very unique, it is one of their favorite stories to tell.
“We definitely shock people when we tell them we’re neighbors. We’ve received lots of funny faces about the whole thing, but we still just love everything about it. Living next to Braden has been so fun, I think it’s a perfect example of faithfulness and living for the Lord first. It has helped us grow so much individually, but we’re never too far apart. If you know Braden, you can imagine I can hear him singing through the walls pretty frequently. We will probably bring this up for the rest of our lives, I just think its the cutest thing ever!” -Emeline
Neighborly Love
And now we begin the rest of our lives!
