“A Beautiful Soul”: Emma lights up her man’s life

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Zach Barber reflects on how truly fortunate he is to have Emma Barton by his side. This day presents the perfect opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable person she is, both in her professional life and as the heart and soul of their family.

Emma possesses a profound capacity for love, extending her kindness to everyone she encounters, particularly to animals. Her nurturing spirit is evident in every aspect of her life, as she tirelessly cares for those around her.

Her job as a high school ‘econ’ teacher is often thankless and demands long hours. Nevertheless, she approaches each challenge with passion and resilience. The impact she has on her students and the community is nothing short of inspiring.

As an educator, Emma immerses herself fully in her work, always considering her students’ needs and tirelessly developing lesson plans designed to engage them and simplify complex concepts.

Born amidst the enchanting woods of Wayland, Massachusetts, Emma grew up with a band of merry ‘gingers’, nurtured by her parents, Gene and Patrice. Her character was shaped on the grass courts and further developed at Trinity, before reaching its peak at Villanova, where she blossomed as both a student and an individual.

Beyond her regular teaching schedule, she is committed to her professional growth, dedicating her evenings to attending ‘continuing education’ courses and watching instructional videos on various lesson topics. It’s this level of dedication that sets her apart and deeply enriches her students’ learning experiences.

Although Zach and Emma do not have any human children, Wilder, their dog, is treated like a cherished son and showered with love and attention. Emma’s compassionate nature shines through in her relationship with Wilder, whom she rescued from the streets of Aruba. Since his arrival, he has brought endless joy to their lives.

Their love story began through a dating app, despite living just a stone’s throw from each other in neighboring buildings, separated only by a Wawa deluxe location. Their first date was a stroll through the neighborhood, chaperoned by Wilder to ensure ‘maximum protection.’

“It took a few blocks for Wilder to accept me into their little pack, but I believe I gradually earned his trust,” remembers Zach.

While he can’t pinpoint the exact moment he knew Emma was the one, Zach says, “A significant sign came when she decided to give me a spare key to her apartment, signaling a level of commitment that warmed my heart. She had to dump her dog walker to give me that key; what courage!”

Emma has a diverse array of hobbies that she passionately pursues, including hiking, yoga, needlepointing, exploring new places, and traveling. Whether it’s on the tennis courts or discovering hidden gems, “She embraces life with an enthusiasm that is contagious,” says Zach.

Together, they have created countless wonderful memories—such as their first trip to Madison, a magical Christmas vacation in the Catskills, peaceful morning hikes in Wissahickon, and idyllic getaways to Martha’s Vineyard and Chestnut Hill. These moments, filled with laughter and love, have allowed Zach and Emma to bond deeply as partners.

“With every adventure, nothing brings me greater joy than seeing Emma’s radiant smile and her beautiful soul light up each experience,” says Zach.

On this Valentine’s Day, Zach has this final message for his beloved fiancée: “You are a wonderful daughter, sister, teacher and friend—passionate, loving and endlessly caring! Our dog embodies boundless love because of you and your nurturing spirit. Our lives have beautifully intertwined, and it feels as if you’ve always been meant to be in my life. I cannot imagine navigating life without you by my side, and I eagerly look forward to exploring all that life has to offer, hand in hand, as husband and wife.”