We’re getting married!

Erika and Bryan first met in April of 2016 under the hot desert sun in Indio, CA. Surrounded by thousands of people singing country’s greatest hits, Erika’s friend Mari introduced them. While this was their first meeting, their story didn’t truly begin until 2.5 years later. Why?—life decided that the timing wasn’t quite right yet. For those 2.5 years, the two had been friends on Instagram and would sporadically talk through social media. In July of 2019, Bryan took a trip to the far north and visited the “Land of Fire and Ice.” During this trip, Bryan took a midnight horseback ride and instantly fell in love. What Erika didn’t know was that Bryan had been trying to find a reason to ask her out for some time. That ride would serve as the catalyst and reason for Bryan reaching out. Bryan “slid into her DMs,” and asked her where he could take riding lessons. Then the waiting for a reply began. Several drinks and four hours later, Erika replied. She had taken the time to research several locations and Bryan instantly was reminded why he knew this girl was different from all the others. After a period of texting and phone calls, they decided it was time to make a go of it and go out. Erika had several clients at a barn in Lakewood and they decided to meet there and get lunch. Bryan had the opportunity to watch her work and immediately fell in love with how she was with both her clients and their horses. After they finished their lunch date and two hours later, Bryan called Erika and asked if she wanted to go to a concert. Erika sensing that this could be something bigger, decided to say yes without a second thought. The only problem was that Erika was covered in dirt, hay, and horse hair. Within an hour and a half, Erika had rushed home, showered, changed, and was ready by the time Bryan arrived. They then set off for their concert where their first date ended much like how they met, getting lost in the music while laughing and smiling with each other.

Bryan knew that Erika was the one, and that it was time to figure out how to propose. He knew that he would have to involve what brought them together—horses. In January, Bryan contacted an equine photographer and asked if she could contact Erika for a photoshoot with her and Blue under that pretense that she was looking to expand her portfolio. He would then surprise Erika and pop the question! With the plan set in motion, all Bryan had to do was relax while the photographer confirmed the date with Erika. After 3 weeks, the photographer notified Bryan that Erika hadn’t responded and that she had to book the date ASAP. It took Bryan 2 weeks to get Erika to "find" the message, convince her that it was legit, and confirm the date. Time to relax. Life once again, had other plans. Erika was suspicious, so Bryan called his friends to try to plan a “guys trip” for that weekend to lead her off the trail. Success!—almost. In March, a wildfire fire burned through the spot where Bryan planned to propose. And then a global pandemic struck. How does one propose during quarantine and social-distancing? With the help of ladies at Erika’s barn, they devised a new proposal under the guise of taking Bryan on his first Norco trail ride. (Trail rides are an approved quarantine activity). April 4th arrived, and Bryan was visibly nervous. Erika could sense this and asked if something was wrong. Again the ladies at the ranch came to his rescue and told her it was due to this being his first trail ride. When they got to the spot, Bryan forgot everything he was going to say. He saw Erika ahead on the trail and he could only think about how much he loved her. Tapping her on the shoulder, she was shocked to see him dropping to one knee. He pulled out the ring and told her that she had always felt like home and he loved her. He made her promise that “if she would keep him wild he would keep her safe.” Without hesitation, Erika said yes, kissed him, and he slid the ring onto her finger.