Eric and Rachel met in person at a friend’s high school graduation party and instantly clicked. What started with easy conversation, lots of laughter, and a sweet first kiss quickly turned into something they both knew was special. That summer before college, they were inseparable. From beach days and dinner dates to painting nights and even tagging along while Eric grocery shopped for his mom, they found joy in doing the simplest things together. Somewhere in the middle of all of that, it just felt right. The couple made it official the day Eric left for college at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL — beginning four years of long distance while Rachel attended Saint Mary's College in South Bend, IN. It wasn’t always easy, but every flight, FaceTime call, and countdown only made them stronger. The rest truly is history.

Eric proposed to Rachel on Mother’s Day during a vacation in Myrtle Beach. The original plan got a little shuffled thanks to some unexpected rain, but that just made the moment even more memorable. After a walk along the beach, they headed back to their balcony overlooking the ocean. While enjoying their view, Eric got down on one knee and popped the question. Rachel, completely caught off guard, said yes through happy tears. It was simple, sweet, and perfect.

Eric and Rachel chose August 15th as their wedding date — not only to make it easy for Eric to remember their anniversary, but also to honor the day after the date they officially started dating on August 14, 2019. It felt meaningful to celebrate their love around the anniversary of that special day that started it all. For them, August 15th now marks a full circle — from their first official day as a couple to the day they’ll say “I do,” surrounded by friends and family. It’s a date that celebrates their journey together and all the memories they’ve made along the way.