Brandon and Erika have known one another since middle school but their love story did not start until the summer of 2019. During this time Erika was working on Mackinac Island and Brandon was in their hometown of Edwardsburg. They spent all summer talking everyday and having skype dates until Erika convinced Brandon to rescue her from the horrors of her island job. Their first in-person date was on Mackinac Island and involved pizza, Erika’s coworkers scarfing down Rise N Roll, dancing at the Grand Hotel, and stargazing because the light pollution on the island was minimal. This summer inspired and contributed to a relationship full of love, strength, and a commitment to one another.