They met while taking a weight lifting class at Grand Rapids Community College. Although Alyssia was unsure about Erik's beard she still decided to go on a date and soon fell in love with him, and his beard.

Erik surprised Alyssia while on a walk with their friend, Megan. He proposed to her at her grandfather's memorial bench on the Grand Haven Boardwalk, and she said yes through her smile and tears.

We picked Charlevoix, MI around the holidays for two reasons. One, Erik has joined the Navy and this is the time of year he has available for a wedding so we did not have many options for the wedding date. Two, we fell in love with Castle Farms and its charm! We think it will be the perfect place to start our lives together and are excited to share this day with all of you!