E rin and Emily Bennett fell in love quickly after they began dating in the summer of 2014.

They married in July 2018, run their business Orcas Video together and are parents to Emily’s two children: Makai, 18 and Malia, 15.

Sounder: How did you two meet?

Erin: I was working and living at a mutual friend’s house, and Emily came back to Orcas for her brother’s memorial. I was working and her kids were jumping on the trampoline. I got roped into power boosting them, and after a few games they said with excitement that I had to meet their mom. We met in the kitchen.

Sounder: What was your first impression of each other?

Emily: My heart fluttered and I thought Erin was drop-dead gorgeous. He had a bright smile that filled the room. Magnetic.

Erin: My first impression was “here is a beautiful being.” She was a confident, calm and beautiful woman playing slack key guitar for her super smart kids. I was in awe, and felt a sense that everything was and will always be okay emanating from Emily. Safe to say I was smitten and didn’t want to leave her side from the start.

Sounder: Describe your marriage proposal.

Erin: I carried a wedding ring around for a year before I proposed. It went to some mountains in Kauai, vineyards in northern California and all over Orcas before the moment felt right. Her birthday was coming up and I thought it might be the right opportunity. We both have massive families, and I wrangled as many of her siblings together to come to Orcas for a surprise party. We were also in the “Rock of Orcas” show, so I invited all the cast members and my parents. I lit a candle for her happy birthday song, but asked her to marry me instead. No one knew I was going to propose. It was a great surprise.

Emily: I, of course, gasped, covered my mouth, started crying, then grabbed his face and kissed him while everyone in the background started singing happy birthday. When the song was over someone said, “what did she say?!” That’s when I finally found my words and said “YES”!!!

Sounder: What was one of your favorite moments from the wedding?

Emily: Oh my goodness so many great moments! My daughter sang at our ceremony, we flashed mobbed the crowd for our first dance and my best friend gave the most hilarious, fun-loving roasting of a speech. But I think my favorite moment was looking up from the dance floor and seeing all of our friends and family there dancing the night away. So much happiness everywhere!

Erin: Our dance. We started slow dancing to a Sade song and had Jake pretend like the song cut out, then went into the Taylor Swift song “Delicate” and an awesome choreographed dance that Malia created for us. Dancing together, and playing/listening to music are my favorite memories.

Sounder: Why did you decide to go into business together?

Emily: We accidentally went into business together really. I was a huge fan of Erin’s photography and videography and really encouraged him to go for it. His work was more of a hobby for me in the beginning. And then all of a sudden he needed more help and I was joining in on meetings and then operating camera B and C. It is a constantly unfolding process. It has been special (sometimes challenging) to work with your spouse, but we somehow do it and push through the rough spots. Let’s be honest, we do quarrel! I can’t imagine it any other way though, I love that we work together.

Erin: We went into business together because it made sense, and we both wanted to do photography and videography. When we met I was (and still am) interested in 100 different things, and Emily suggested that I was really good at photos/video and pursue it. We have many projects under our belts at this point, and have worked through many challenges. The fact that we live with each other and are basically always with each other gives us the chance to share ideas and brainstorm as inspiration strikes.

Sounder: How do you show up for each other in the relationship?

Emily: No matter how tired we are Erin always finds energy to rub my feet and he is patient with my shortcomings beyond measure. I’ve never met someone more kind and patient, even when I’m grumpy.

Erin: Emily has believed in me 100% from the day we met. She removes obstacles from my path. If Ganesh was a girl I would call her my ganesh. She trusts my vision even when she can’t see the finished product in her head and helps however she can.

Sounder: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

Emily: I hope we have our own boat and can travel throughout the Puget Sound, filming underwater fauna and flora.

Erin: Here on Orcas, gardening, wood working, making art, walking dogs, petting cats, adventuring around the islands and up the inside passage, traveling abroad and photographing/filming in the winters, and going to Malia’s concerts wherever they are.