The questions can be serious , probing , intimate , or silly . Anything is fair game . Brooke says most people can learn the techniques and to be honest without fear , and the game helps to keep things real and genuine . The couple shares that they have not had a fight in six years . “ No matter what we ’ ll work it out together .” Brooke shared .
The Neverland Band : Brooke and Emil with Joe Birtola ( Bass ) and Robbie Lucero ( Drums )
Their dedication to honesty and transparency helped their relationship to flourish while dating and naturally propelled them to the next level . The two were married in a beautiful ceremony at Guglielmo Winery on February 24 , 2024 .
Brooke and Emil credit their great relationships with longtime friends as a key component to their success . They share “ Taco Tuesdays ” at Rosy ’ s at the Beach with a small group of close friends whom they meet up with every week . While everyone in the group is busy “ moving and shaking ” within the community , going through life changes , etc ., they still find time to meet regularly . Brooke reasons ,“ Enduring relationships sometimes just comes down to the importance of finding something to keep those relationships growing .”
Doubling down on transparency , the two developed an exciting and challenging method to discover more about each other . They call it “ the Question Game .” They started playing while dating and continue to play the game in marriage . They share the details of the game on their blog site . The rules are :
1 ). Person # 1 has the freedom to ask anything under the sun . 2 ). Person # 2 must answer honestly . 3 ). Person # 2 can then ask the same question , or a different one . 4 ). Game can go on for as long as both players want to continue .
Brooke shared that they play the game almost every day — in the car , on the couch , on the patio , or beside the firepit . The game helps each person feel heard , and helps both remember to honor each other ’ s emotions , experiences , and perspectives . It provides an opportunity for each to experience the trust and acceptance of the person they ’ ve chosen to go through life with . “ It ’ s taking time to let your partner talk without interrupting ,” Brooke says . It ’ s giving the other person space , and not listening to speak , but listening to learn .”
After spending a few wonderful hours with these two over dinner at Rosy ’ s ( see “ Dining Out with Friends ” on page 34 ), Debbi and I have such an appreciation for all they do and more importantly , for who they are . Brooke and Emil are inspiring on so many levels : their commitment to their music , their quiet confidence and discipline , and their constant striving to develop creative projects in pursuit of excellence , to name a few . With so many gigs , responsibilities , and projects , they still find time for each other , friends , and the community . All things considered , perhaps the most impressive thing about these two is the courageous love for one another they model every day . We so appreciate their adventurous yet down-to-earth , easygoing outlook on life , love , and relationships . Brooke and Emil share the love of music and create the music of love every day .
DustFlower : Brooke and Emil with Joe Birtola ( Bass ) and Doug Dean ( Drums )
Contact Brooke and Emil at : brookeandemil @ gmail . com
Music websites : brookeandemil . com : DustFlower . com : theneverlandband . com
Brooke and Emil ' s Relationship blog : thejjs . net
Brooke and Emil ' s songwriter & music podcast : chasingthesong . com ( coming soon )
gmhtoday . com gmhTODAY Magazine : Go . Make history ... FALL 2024 47