Clear Cut Couples: Emma and Pat
For six years Emma and Pat lived five blocks away from one another in SoHo and likely crossed paths many times. Pat thinks he must have seen Emma walking in SoHo because she had a very large, unmistakable Bernese Mountain dog at the time. However, the two did not actually meet until several years later when they matched on Hinge.
Pat was still living in SoHo but Emma had moved to Tribeca at the time. After exchanging several messages on Hinge, Pat invited Emma to a wine bar in Tribeca halfway between their two apartments. It was a beautiful July day and the two were able to sit outside and get to know one another. Conversation flowed easily and they remarked how wild it was that they were brought together by Hinge after living in the same neighborhood for so many years. They have been inseparable ever since that day four years ago!
They have shared countless incredible memories over the years! They are both extremely grateful to have found in each other a kind, supportive partner with strong family relationships, amazing friend groups, and a deep love and respect for one another. They have had the opportunity to travel to incredible places together. Highlights include seeing the Northern Lights and exploring volcanoes in Iceland, taking a glass blowing class in Venice, and exploring vineyards in Bordeaux. It has also been special for Pat to take Emma to his hometown (Charleston, WV) and show her where he grew up. They have traveled to Charleston several times including most recently for their engagement party.
Pat proposed on their third year anniversary on December 7th in a cabin they rented on Candlewood Lake. Prior to leaving for their weekend trip, Emma had thought about how romantic it would be if Pat proposed on their anniversary, but did not want to get her hopes up too much in case it didn't happen. For the entire day Emma was filled with nervous excitement thinking a proposal may happen, but there did not seem to be a proposal worthy moment as the day went on so Emma began to think it would not happen that day or weekend.
They cooked dinner at their Airbnb (duck confit with roasted brussels sprouts) and shared a bottle of wine they bought on their recent trip to Lake Como. After dinner Pat suggested they build a fire and make s’mores. After a few s’mores, he suggested they take family photos (the two of them plus their dog Diana) in front of the fire.
At this point Emma no longer thought a proposal was in the cards for the evening and focused on wrangling Diana (who does NOT like being held). She positioned herself and Diana in front of Pat's phone while he adjusted the angle. As Pat knelt down next to Emma to take the photo he said, "Before we take the photo...I have a question to ask..."
Emma was still trying to get Diana to hold still, and looking at the camera. She didn’t realize Pat had gotten down on one knee! He asked. Nothing. A blank stare, and still wrestling Diana. Then, she saw him on one knee and was completely in shock. It took a minute for it to register. Then it hit! She happily said "Yes."
She later found out Pat had set the phone to record so their entire proposal is on video with Emma crying tears of joy, and Diana running around also very excited.
The ring is stunning! Emma was involved in the early stages of design and selecting the stone, but the end result was more beautiful than she could have imagined. Her first comments after the proposal were how gorgeous and “very shiny” the ring was. It’s been 8 months and Pat still catches her staring at it multiple times a week.
Emma and Pat celebrated their engagement with a party in NYC (where Emma is from and where the couple currently lives) and a second party in Charleston, WV where Pat is from and his family lives. It was amazing to celebrate with family and friends in two special locations and for their families to explore both the couple's home cities. The wedding will take place in October 2026 at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Congrats you two! We are SO happy for you!