Emily & Steven

Hello everyone, my name is Auja. For those of you that already know me, hey y'all! For those that don't, well I fear you may be in the wrong place. I kid but let me go ahead and tell you a little bit about how I know the bride and groom.
For most people you pretty much consider yourself done making friends after college. Never do you think the girl you meet working at The Cheesecake Factory will become not only your best friend but sister. Shortly after meeting Emily, we became inseparable, tied to the hip. You rarely saw one without the other. Within a year, we quite literally were stuck together, in her one-bedroom apartment braving the pandemic. From then on, every test you could possibly battle with your friend we did and thankfully survived them all. We became roommates (across multiple homes, apartments, and states), survived countless road trips and vacations abroad, job switches, ups, downs, and so many phases of life. As her friend, I have gotten to know her heart. As her co-worker, I have gotten to know her drive, and as her roommate, I know how dependable she is. I also know just how special it is to know her and be loved by her. If there is anyone that has earned that love, it is Steven. Since the very beginning of their relationship, he has cared for her in ways I don't think she even knew she needed but she most definitely deserves. It does not take long after meeting him to see just how intentional and kind his heart is. Together they are truly an unstoppable force. I am honored to be able to live life alongside of them. Having already seen them experience so much together, I just knew they are meant to be. Last year, we got to see them become parents to sweet Sophia. This year, they become husband and wife. To think this is only the beginning, I am beyond happy they found each other and chose forever together.

One of the best things to come out of my time living in North Carolina (yes, even alongside meeting my husband - lol love you Aaron) was my friendship with Emily. From the day we met, we instantly clicked. Our friendship quickly grew into a true best friend bond, full of laughter, shrieks of joy, late night talks, singing & dancing on elevated surfaces, and a few too many tequila shots. We’ve grown through many life stages together over the years and even now, living states away, our friendship has never faded.
Seeing Emily with Steven only makes it clear how perfect they are for each other. Their family is filled with so much love, joy, and just the right amount of chaos. Watching them become such incredible parents to sweet Sophia is truly inspiring. I’m beyond honored to stand by Emily’s side as they celebrate this next chapter together!

Emily loves to joke that she's actually Cormick's (my husband) friend. And while it's true that he is how we met, it took one firepit + a shot of tequila for me to claim her as my friend instead. We instantly connected on our dichotomies - we love baking and cooking and being the "mom" of our friend groups, but we take our careers very seriously; we love to go out and have fun, but we also really love to be at home in our cozies; while we are very opinionated and outspoken, we also are anxious girlies and we help each other through; and while we both are competitive, we refuse to go head-to-head on a cheesecake competition because we love each other too much.

All those enigmas of Emily became perfectly balanced when she met Steven. Steven is a beacon of calm, for everyone who is around him, but especially for Emily. He loves to quietly throw out zingers, but always makes his plate last to ensure everyone else has eaten enough. I've loved getting to witness these dad and mom tendencies of their personalities flourish with the arrival of Sophia and am in awe of the partnership they've created. I am so honored to witness this next step in their relationship, and cannot wait to sob during their vows. See you on the dance floor!

Emily and I have been besties since the fateful year of 2020 when we started working together. She waltzed into my clinic for training and started chatting with me, and 6 years later we never stopped chatting (much to the chagrin of our supervisor at the time). From phone calls that lasted far beyond our bedtimes, surviving various job changes, surviving various boyfriend changes, and all the rest of life in between, we’ve had the privilege of doing life alongside one another. Emily is the definition of a “ride or die” friend. She has seen me through my highest of highs and my lowest of lows. Whether I needed a listening ear, a hype girl, or just someone to cry with, Em was there. I hope to always return the favor.



Much to Steven’s initial disappointment, Em and I are a package deal. I like to think Steven and I are besties now too. He never fails to bring Sophia in for virtual meeting snugs when Em and I are on a call, which is the fastest way to her Auntie K’s heart. All joking aside, I am grateful to see Emily with a partner who loves her, supports her, and cheers her on to accomplish all her dreams! It’s a special thing to witness your best friend being so well loved.

Addison made Emily an Auntie back in 2012, and she’s been one of her favorite humans ever since. A cheer pro with undeniable style, Addison is a true fashionista who brings confidence and sparkle wherever she goes. Emily couldn’t imagine her big day without her by her side, and is so proud to have her as a junior bridesmaid.

Sophia is Emily and Steven’s daughter—their whole world and the greatest joy of their lives. She is the happiest little girl, filling every room with love, laughter, and light. Just over one year old on the big day, she’ll be there to witness her mommy and daddy say “I do,” making the moment even more meaningful than they ever could have imagined. Emily and Steven feel endlessly blessed to have their sweet baby girl by their side on this special day. And as for her big walk down the aisle… it may just be Sophia's first steps. 

Avery is Emily’s vibrant 8-year-old niece who brings energy, personality, and a little bit of unpredictability wherever she goes. Full of life and never one to fade into the background, Avery keeps everyone on their toes—in the best way. She’s also a sweet role model to Sophia, always ready to read a book or jump into playtime together. Avery has warmly welcomed Steven into the family from day one—often leaving him little notes (and the occasional hidden Nerf gun) for when they visit, just to keep things interesting. She knows exactly who she is and what she wants, so you can bet her walk down the aisle will be one to remember.

Charlotte is Steven’s spunky 5-year-old niece who brings joy, curiosity, and just the right amount of sass wherever she goes. An animal lover through and through, she’s independent, incredibly smart, and has the sweetest, most loving heart. She is a rockstar of a big sister to Sutton and loves her newest cousin, Sophia. Charlotte and Uncle Steven are truly best buds, and she welcomed Aunt Em into her world with open arms from day one. This will be Charlotte’s very first appearance as a flower girl, and we couldn’t be more honored to have her play such a special role in our day.

Madison is truly the beginning of this story, so it only feels right that she’s the one bringing it full circle on our big day. A longtime best friend of Steven’s and once Emily’s employee, Madison saw something special long before anyone else fully admitted it—and she wasn’t shy about making sure it happened. After months of encouragement (and a well-timed push on both sides), she helped turn possibility into reality.
Beyond being the spark that brought Emily and Steven together, Madison has been a constant source of support, encouragement, and love. She is deeply devoted, grounded in her faith, and has a heart that shows up fully for the people she cares about—especially Sophia, who she absolutely adores.
Having Madison as the officiant isn’t just meaningful—it’s exactly how it was always meant to be.