Who would have thought that our first weekend at Westfield State, we'd meet the person we were going to spend the rest of our lives with? Choosing to live in honors housing freshman year proved to be one of the best decisions either of us has ever made. We found our incredible group of friends, and even better, found each other (right next door)! Through walks in Stanley Park, trips to Six Flags, and a mutual love of sports, we grew to be close friends who eventually became lifelong partners.

Throughout the years, we’ve traveled to New York, Maine, New Hampshire (countless times), and even Disney World. We enjoy going to baseball games, taking walks together, and just sitting by the campfire. We’ve made it through long distance challenges multiple times when Mike went to Syracuse, Florida, and Minnesota and we’ve grown even stronger in spite of our time apart. We’re excited for more adventures to come!

Mike’s heart was racing as it started pouring the morning of his planned proposal. He was coordinating a moment with both of our immediate families, unbeknowst to Erica. Despite the drizzle, everyone headed to the river in the White Mountains that has been Erica’s favorite spot since she was little. The rain had stopped just when Mike’s family arrived to watch the event take place from the trail that led out to the water. As they were both walking across the rocks, Erica was finally realizing what was about to happen. The sun literally came out from behind the clouds as Mike got down on one knee. Managing not to drop the ring into the gentle rapids, Erica said yes and the stress was over! The rest of the day was a happy celebration around all of their loved ones, better than anyone could have planned.