From California to Ohio: Emily and Nate's Love Story

In a recent episode of the Vendors and Lovers Podcast, hosts Kelly and Ben sat down with soon-to-be-newlyweds Emily and Nate to share their incredible journey from friendship to marriage. Their story spans nearly a decade, crosses multiple state lines, and showcases how true love can withstand distance, time, and even initial rejection.

An Unconventional Beginning

Emily and Nate's story began back in 2015 when they met through a mutual friend in California. Though they were part of the same friend group, they barely spoke to each other—maybe two or three times, according to Emily. When drama with their mutual friend led to the disbanding of the group, Emily and Nate maintained a casual, distant connection, occasionally checking in with simple "how are you" messages.

Their relationship took an unexpected turn when Emily moved to Arizona for college to pursue her business marketing degree. Somehow, the distance brought them closer together. They began talking every day, and Emily found herself falling for Nate, who was still back in California.

"He became my best friend and all I wanted to do was call him," Emily shared during the podcast. With nothing to lose, she decided to ask him out—not once, but several times. Each time, Nate declined, largely due to the 7-hour distance between them.

The First Date... Finally

The tables turned when Emily returned to California for winter break in 2018. After years of friendship and Emily's persistent pursuit, Nate finally asked her out on a proper date—to Dairy Queen, of all places.

"I was the happiest girl ever," Emily recalled with a smile. Nate explained his change of heart: "There was something special about her. And I was going through somewhat of a rough part in my life. And she just seemed like someone I needed to know."

Their connection was immediate and powerful. "It felt like I've known you in past lives," Emily told Nate during the interview. "It's just this really strong connection."

Long-Distance Love

After their first date, things remained casual for months until Emily returned home for summer break. One August night, they made their relationship official, committing to make long distance work.

And work they did—for four long years.

"We did long distance for four years of our relationship," Emily explained. When COVID hit in 2020, Emily returned home from college, and they were thrilled to finally be in the same place. However, fate had other plans. Shortly after her return, Nate announced he was moving to Ohio to be closer to his mother and younger brother.

Just as they thought their long-distance days were over, Emily's school required students to return to campus for in-person learning. She headed back to Arizona while Nate settled in Ohio.

After Emily graduated, Nate flew to Arizona for her graduation ceremony. Together, they drove to California, packed up her belongings, and made the cross-country journey to Ohio at the end of 2021.

The Proposal

After nearly six years together, Nate decided it was time to propose. He initially planned an elaborate public proposal on a beautifully lit bridge in Dublin, Ohio. But on a rainy Friday evening, while they were cozied up in their apartment with a crackling fireplace and their dog, something told him the time was now.

"I just dropped to my knee and asked, will you marry me?" Nate shared.

Emily was completely surprised, breaking into hysterical tears of joy. What made the moment even more special was learning that Nate had called her father beforehand to ask for his blessing.

Planning Their Perfect Day

Within weeks of their engagement in October 2023, Emily and Nate began wedding planning. By December, Emily had secured almost all of their vendors.

When asked what drew them to their venue in Lebanon, Ohio, they explained that they wanted a place that reflected their personalities—cozy, intimate, and homey. "We like to stay in and have a nice night on the couch and watch a movie and stay cozy," Emily explained. The modern party venues they toured in Columbus just didn't feel right.

The moment they walked into their chosen venue, they knew it was perfect. "You just walk inside and you just know, you feel like you're home," Emily shared.

Looking Forward to Their Day

As their spring wedding approaches, Emily revealed she's most excited about sharing her vows with Nate—a sentiment that surprised no one. "It's why everybody's coming together, to see you guys make this lifetime commitment to each other," the hosts agreed.

The couple plans to make their wedding uniquely theirs, from the food and music to their attire. They've also decided to do a first look so they can include their puppy, Atlas, in pre-ceremony photos, and they're planning a private dance at the end of the reception—a special moment just for them amid the celebration.

Wedding Planning Advice

When asked what advice they would give other engaged couples, Emily emphasized the benefits of a longer engagement and early planning:

"Doing it early really helps me not stress because I was able to get the vendors I really wanted without having to worry about their availability," she explained. "The longer engagement is better because you get everything you want guaranteed. And you get to enjoy it."

Nate, who was initially reluctant about a long engagement, agreed that it allowed them to "soak in the fiancé" period while securing their preferred vendors.

Their final piece of advice? "Enjoy your engagement while it lasts."

As Emily and Nate prepare to tie the knot this spring, their journey from casual acquaintances to soon-to-be spouses reminds us that love stories don't always follow a straight path. Sometimes they cross state lines, span years, and involve a few rejections before reaching their happily ever after.