Cozad Wedding

5 years a part, and growing up 20 minutes from each other- they never met in Osage County like you'd think. It wasn't until Erica started traveling for powwows after high school. One day, Erica and her cousins Charish and Frankee decided to hit the road south to participate at Alabama Coushatta powwow in Kinder, Louisiana. Mutual friends came together and along came Kiowa. They instantly clicked and Erica was most attracted to Kiowa's goofy sense of humor. They became friends and remained friends for years, roadtripping to more powwows every now and then. After growing up and experiencing school, life, and both finally moving back to Oklahoma, they reconnected after 5 years when Kiowa FINALLY asked Erica on a date. They had dinner at Cheesecake Factory, then watched a movie, then played games at Dave & Busters (Erica won everything, of course). They started going on more dates, and ended up going on a double date with their close friends Melvin & Cha to go bowling. That's when Erica & Kiowa became official. It was always meant to be. The rest is history!

After all the planning and preparation for their daughter Mamie's first birthday NAC meeting, the weekend finally came and Erica, Kiowa, and the family were all so excited. Erica was very busy making sure everything would run smoothly and trying not to forget anything. So this was the perfect time for Kiowa to plot his proposal (Erica had NO idea!). He did such a great job concealing his intentions for the big moment. As they were leaving to drive down south to Hog Creek, Erica was loading things in the car and getting Mamie in her car seat, Kiowa had already purchased the ring and went inside the house to ask her parents for her hand in marriage. It was a beautiful weekend with lots of songs and prayers said on behalf of Mamie. Sunday comes along and the meal is served to all of our loved ones, along with birthday singing, cake, and giveaway. There comes a time that Erica and Kiowa has the opportunity to express gratitude to every one present. Erica spoke first, already emotional. Then Kiowa spoke second, which made Erica even more emotional. Then he mentioned how he was grateful for his companions never ending support and turned to his folks and he said, "let us bear witness to this..." and gets down on one knee. Yep, Erica starts crying up a storm LOL. It caught her off guard but in the best way possible. He did such an amazing job, it was all good feelings already from everything that has happened building up to that point. Thankful that families from both sides were there to witness this beautiful moment. And now here we are!