forever & always

Erica and Zev met in college through a mutual friend—an unplanned encounter that would spark something lasting. Erica would often tag along to the library with a friend from the water polo team, and one day, that casual routine led her to Zev. What began as an easy friendship quickly deepened through shared moments—lunches at Nature Way Café, long walks along campus trails, study sessions in the FAU library, and endless conversations. There was always an unspoken connection between them—one you feel more than you explain. Over time, that friendship evolved into something more, and everything shifted the moment Zev confessed his love for Erica. Their first “official” date soon followed. Zev showed up at Erica’s oceanfront condo with a bottle of wine and a set of watercolor paints, and the two spent the afternoon painting, laughing, and finishing the day with a swim in the ocean (fittingly, since Zev was a lifeguard at the time). From there, their relationship blossomed—filled with favorite pastimes like rating every fish dip in town, kayaking through mangroves, and rock climbing together—a true test of trust and teamwork. One of their most defining moments came during a spontaneous trip to Colorado. On a whim, they decided to hike Mount Elbert— the tallest peak in the state—with zero training and a snack bag better suited for a picnic. Halfway through, Zev was ready to turn around, but Erica insisted on getting to the top and convinced Zev to push forward. After 3 1/2 hours and multiple stops, they both made it to the top and shared the greatest victory! On the way down, as the sun set and exhaustion set in, it was Zev who carried Erica (literally) when her legs gave out. That mountain became more than a memory— it became a metaphor. Erica and Zev balanced and challenged each other in all the right ways. They were, simply, better together. After a year of long-distance, the couple finally moved in together and realized how naturally their lives fit. What could’ve been hard turned out to be effortless. Six years, countless shared adventures, and one unforgettable proposal later—on a boat in Crystal River to the song “Outro” by M83—Erica and Zev are still growing, laughing, and exploring life side by side. What began in the FAU library through a water polo hangout has turned into a lifelong love story— built on friendship, fueled by curiosity, and grounded in a connection that only gets stronger with time. Cheers to Erica and Zev!