Our Story
Our Story
In the crisp fall of 2023, when the leaves at Grand Valley State University turned gold and the echoes of drums rolled across campus, fate was quietly tuning its instruments. The Laker Marching Band was gathering for another season, full of energy, tradition, and unexpected beginnings. Emelia, the feature twirler, had arrived for another great season with her Lakers and an unsaid rule only a couple knew about:
“I am never dating anyone in the band. Too much conflict if it doesn’t work out.”
It was a rule she planned to keep… until God, as he often does, laughed softly and rearranged everything. Jacob, a trombone player with an easy smile and a heart that carried music even when he wasn’t holding his instrument, was simply enjoying another season with the band. He had no idea that destiny was about to twirl right into his life—quite literally.
Every game day, Emelia had a tradition: “blessing” the trombones. It was something the band looked forward to, a splash of charm woven into game-day excitement. And each year, she chose one trombone to finish the blessings with—a small moment that carried more symbolism than anyone knew. Her junior year, she chose Jacob. Jacob didn’t miss the meaning.
And so he reached out. A message, a conversation, a shared laugh—small things, but with a rhythm that quickly became familiar. Before they even realized it, they weren’t just talking. They were becoming best friends, the kind of friends who found comfort in each other’s presence, who made ordinary days feel like adventures and gave each other a new meaning to home!
Jacob showed Emelia something she didn’t even know she was missing: Kindness, joy, and a reminder that life is meant to be lived fully and brightly. And Emelia, without trying, brought Jacob a sense of love, warmth, and a spark that made even the longest band rehearsals feel magical. Soon enough, they were inseparable. If you saw Jacob, you saw Emelia and vice versa!
A twirler who vowed never to date anyone in the band. A trombone player who turned out to be the exception to every rule. And a fall day at GVSU where everything changed. Their story didn’t begin with fireworks. It began with a blessing, a smile, and a simple truth: Sometimes the best things in life find you when you’re just playing your part in the band.
Charlie's First Yogi
Our annual North family trip to Yogi Bear looked a little different this year—and a whole lot cuter. It was Charlie’s first family getaway, and our goofy one-year-old lab made every moment feel like an adventure. We couldn’t leave without taking our traditional family picture… even if Charlie insisted on stealing the spotlight. A new North family tradition officially begins.
Laker Championship
The picture might be grainy, but the memory is crystal clear. This was the perfect ending to both of our Laker Band journeys—watching the women’s basketball team bring home the D2 National Championship. Even more special, it was Emilia’s final twirling performance before she officially hung up her baton. A winning season, a championship moment, and the start of a brand-new chapter for both of us.
Emmy's 21st
Jacob planned the sweetest—and easily the most unforgettable—21st birthday for Emmy… even if not everything from that night stayed in her memory. It was the perfect mix of celebration, surprises, and just the right amount of trouble. A night full of laughter, love, and stories we’ll probably still be piecing together years from now.
Emmy's First Hunt
Anyone who knows Jacob knows his love for hunting runs deep. This was the first time he ever convinced Emmy to come along—and it turned into one of those quietly perfect moments. Early morning calm, crisp air, and the two of them sharing a world Jacob had always hoped she’d be part of. A small step for Emmy… and a huge win for Jacob.
First Christmas
This was the day we brought Charlie home—just a tiny puppy with big paws and an even bigger personality. It was our first Christmas together as Emmy and Jacob, but also the first Christmas of becoming a little family. Between the ornaments, the puppy zoomies, and the pure excitement of starting this new chapter, it was a holiday we’ll never forget.
Laker Marching Band
Fall of 2023 was Emelia and Jacob’s very first band season together—one of those seasons that felt special from the start. Jacob was still out on the field playing trombone, while Emelia lit up the sidelines twirling her baton for the Lakers. It was the beginning of so many shared traditions, long game days, and moments that brought them closer than either of them expected.