Ariel and Eric were both recruited by his mother Cathy to play the lead roles in a student-directed short film at Austin School of Film. They recited lines and found easy laughter together throughout the day and left with only fond memories of the other.

In the before times when we were outside, Ariel and Eric met up at Cheer Up Charlie's for a drink after having not seen each other for several years. They both instantly clicked, and the rest is history. After several more outtings together and a Valentine's Day movie date, Eric asked Ariel to be his girlfriend. They have been together ever since.

Eric took Ariel to the wide expansive quiet rolling green area of town that is the North Capital of Texas Scenic Overlook. She had never been there before and always enjoys slices of Austin that appear untouched by urban sprawl. They spent a brief moment taking the surroundings before Eric took a knee and handed Ariel a shell. Yes. A shell. With a ring.