Braden and Emeline had 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 is, perfectly displaying the heart of Braden Black.
Braden and Emeline met on August 21, 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 most trying of her life, with an abundance of obstacles, challenging people and difficult memories. Braden found Emeline in one of her weakest moments, in a crowd of people he saw her scared and alone. From across the way, Braden walked straight up to her and gently said “Are you okay? Do you need help?” This one exchange completely changed the trajectory of their lives. Braden then talked to Emeline, distracting her with his presence in a way that made her feel a safety she had never felt. Braden grabbed her hand and walked her out, 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! They talked and laughed at this exact table nearly three years ago. As much as Ninfa’s will always be sentimental to Emeline, she does in fact hate Ninfa’s now and routinely begrudges going back. Braden of course still loves it and always requests to go. He was rewarded with his Ninfa’s queso and chicken quesadilla, at the end of this photoshoot!
“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 has been my number one priority to make sure she feels my love in every way possible.”
-Braden
Braden took Emeline on a date to Austin on October 14, 2021. They enjoyed dinner and ended the night at Butler Metro Park. There is a spiral walk-up-hill that overlooks the city perfectly. With the city lit in front of them, they sat at the top of the hill and enjoyed the view for a while. Braden took a box out of his pocket with a necklace inside, and officially asked Emeline if she would honor him by being his girlfriend. How precious is he?
A few months after Emeline and Braden started dating, they decided to visit the Humane Society of Central Texas. When they arrived, a worker was holding this scared little dog named Lulu Belle. She was just too cute. Emeline sat on the ground to hold her and the dog curled right up into her lap. Every time the worker tried to pick up Lulu Belle, she would run right back to Emeline, who of course looked to Braden with pleading eyes. That did it! Braden looked at the worker and said, “We’ll take her home.”
The intent was to foster. Emeline came up with the name Maggie Mae, and she was just too perfect. They adopted Maggie Mae and she joined her forever home. She is the biggest lovebug who only ever wants cuddles. Miss Maggie Mae is their best friend and the sweetest addition to their little family.
Braden’s sentimental heart wanted to make the first time he told Emeline, “I love you” as memorable as possible. He drove her to the Waco Arboretum one night but it was closed. He was crushed but immediately switched gears and took her to a different park nearby. They walked down to a bench and sat for awhile until Braden finally said those special words. As they drove away and passed by the Arboretum, Braden said “I’m going to propose to you there one day.”
Two years, six months, and five days later - he did.
When schoolwork began to pile up, Emeline and Braden were both working 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 that they decided to do it every Monday night. 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 became a very sentimental spot for the two of them. Today, they still enjoy sharing 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
As Emeline and Braden grew in their faith, they decided it was important to live according to God and His intentions for dating before marriage. When it was time for them to move out 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 became 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 their favorite story 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
The most special day to them thus far… the day Braden asked Emeline to be his wife.
That morning Emeline’s mom and cousin showed up at her door and she knew instantly! It was the most indescribable joy she had ever felt. They had brunch and went back to the house to get ready. A few tears were shed, and then she was ready! It was time to head to Braden and Emeline knew exactly where they were going, the Arboretum. Sobbing, she walked down a beautiful path lined by trees to meet Braden. Taking her hands, Braden read Colossians 3:14:
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity.”
He got down on one knee and their lives officially changed forever.
