Claire and Erik first met in the summer of 2016 when Rachel Wells, one of Claire’s bridesmaids, introduced them after a Bible study at McLean Bible Church Arlington. Claire distinctly remembers Erik’s road bike attire, which he often donned in his pre-car ownership days, but, to his loss, Erik did not remember the encounter! Luckily, a short time after, the two reconnected at the church’s young adult retreat in Goshen, VA. Their friendship began shortly thereafter, and they became a couple after time spent together made it clear that they are complements who share a common goal for their lives, and have a ton of fun along the way!

One year, eight weddings, and thousands of miles driven, flown, and hiked together later, Erik, with a ring hidden in his vest pocket, took Claire back to one of their first date spots. They went to the National Cathedral for an evening walk where, in the Bishop’s Garden, he got down on one knee. A short way off, in the opposite corner of the garden, a statue of a Father and a Son looked on as Claire and Erik passed by on their way to celebrate at the same restaurant where their relationship began exactly one year prior.