After more than a decade in Wilmington, Brock has a reputation for running into someone he knows wherever he goes. That was exactly the case one evening at Flytrap, when a chance run-in with a mutual friend ended up setting the wheels in motion for his introduction to Emily. Once Emily agreed to let their friends share her number with Brock, he called to invite her to a local favorite, Satellite, for drinks. The rest, as they say, is history.

This month, the couple celebrates their first wedding anniversary, marking a year of marriage that has been filled with new traditions, shared adventures, and life together in Riverlights.

Long before Brock entered the picture, Emily had already fallen in love with Wilmington. After years in Washington, D.C., and several months traveling throughout the South, she made a stop in Wilmington that changed everything. “I visited Wilmington, fell in love with it, and eventually decided to make it home,” she says.

She purchased her home in Riverlights in 2022, drawn by the neighborhood’s walkability and sense of community. Brock, originally from Richmond, served in the Army with the 82nd Airborne Division. Living near the ocean had been a dream of his since childhood, and after his time in the Army, he made his way to Wilmington to finally make that dream a reality, settling into a coastal life. He had already been calling Wilmington home for more than a decade by the time he and Emily got engaged in 2024, and the two began their life together in Riverlights.

By day, Emily and Brock each have careers that keep them busy. Emily works remotely for LeadingAge, a national organization that supports nonprofit providers serving older adults. She coordinates educational programming for members across the country. LeadingAge has a couple members in the Wilmington area, including Elderhaus PACE and Trinity Landing. Brock works for McKim & Creed as a civil engineer. McKim & Creed is an engineering and surveying firm that provides planning, design, and infrastructure solutions for public and private projects.

Then there is Marshall. Every neighborhood has that dog everyone secretly hopes to run into on a walk, and Marshall just might be Riverlights’ candidate. Brock brought the now eight-year-old golden retriever home as a puppy long before he and Emily ever met, and Marshall has been by his side ever since. When Emily came into the picture, she admits Marshall quickly became her constant companion too, sometimes at Brock’s chagrin.

“I had already been planning to get a dog of my own,” she says. “It feels incredibly lucky that Marshall came into my life and became such a special part of our family.”

Whether he is riding on the golf cart or joining them for evening strolls through the neighborhood, Marshall is rarely far from the action. Those simple moments are exactly what Emily and Brock appreciate most about life in Riverlights.

Their weekends might include dinner at Kipos or Olivero, grabbing a casual bite at Celtic Monkey, spending the day on the water through Freedom Boat Club, grilling fresh produce from Biggers Market, or loading up the truck for a trip to Freeman Park.

They have joined neighbors for holiday events, entered the Fourth of July golf cart parade with Marshall, and never miss an opportunity when food trucks or coffee trucks roll into the neighborhood.

For Emily, Riverlights’ network of sidewalks and walking trails was one of the biggest reasons she chose to buy here. They remain a favorite place to unwind with Marshall after a busy day, while the friendships she and Brock have built throughout the neighborhood have made the community even more meaningful.

“I have also made close friends that I am very grateful for,” she says.

Those friendships have helped transform Riverlights from simply the place they live into the community they call home. Brock has become involved at Lifepoint Church after being introduced through neighborhood friends, while Emily has recently connected with members of the Jewish community and looks forward to celebrating upcoming holidays together.

As they celebrate their first wedding anniversary, Emily and Brock are grateful for the life they have built together and the community that has welcomed them along the way. In Riverlights, they have found more than a beautiful neighborhood. They have found friendships, traditions, and a place that truly feels like home.

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Meet the Photographer

Hi, I'm Jacqui McGurren, a lifestyle and family photographer with over a decade of experience capturing authentic, joy-filled moments. I believe the best photographs tell stories—the genuine connections, laughter, and little details that make every family unique. When I'm not behind the camera, you'll find me practicing yoga, exploring the outdoors, or spending time with my husband, our adventurous son, and our dogs. I recently relocated to Riverlights from Salem, NH and am thrilled to be partnering with Stroll to celebrate the incredible families and businesses that make this community so special.  Facebook & Instagram: @wanderingwildflowerphotos | Email WanderingWildflowerPhotos@gmail.com