Emily & Michael in Annapolis, MD

Emily Passeri and Michael (Mike) VanHuysen were friends long before they realized there was something more to their relationship. The two initially met while Emily was living in Boston and Mike was living in DC, but both were working on a project in Philadelphia for their companies. A few years later, Emily moved to town, and since Mike was one of the only people she knew in DC they hung out fairly often. “Our friendship grew steadily over time until we realized we were only spending time with each other and laughing about all our bad dates!” Emily says. Though the two aren’t sure exactly when their first real date took place, there was one night in particular that they finally admitted their feelings for each other. “We both clearly know the moment we switched from good friends to something more!” Emily says. The Bride Emily Passeri, 29, finance director The Groom Michael (Mike) VanHuysen, 34, lawyer The Date May 20 Two years later, Mike proposed on Emily’s birthday, just a few days after they’d moved into a new house together: After giving her one gift to throw her off the trail, Mike’s second birthday gift was an engagement ring.