Erika and Andrew's story begins at a dog friendly bar in downtown San Diego, while celebrating a "bark mitzvah" for a mutual, furry, four-legged friend. Andrew's signature cowboy boots are what initially caught Erika's eye. On their way out of the bar, Erika's friend stopped to talk to Andrew, suspiciously inviting him to join them at San Diego's famous Waterfront Bar. There, after being introduced by mutual (human) friends, Andrew attempted to court Erika by challenging her to a game of pinball. Although the winner of that game is still up for debate, their attraction and connection to one another was not. A few weeks passed before the two went to brunch at a local PB eatery for their first date. Andrew, being the debonair and romantic man that he is, wore his finest Columbia t-shirt and pair of basketball shorts, clearly eager to charm Erika yet again. Slightly disappointed, as she was hoping for the cowboy boots, Erika couldn’t help but feel a connection to Andrew as they began to get to know one another. The pair continued to see each other, casually at first, but a deep romance quickly blossomed. Despite their differences, this Midwest boy and California girl felt drawn to one another.

As fate would have it, Andrew found out he would be relocating to Norfolk, Virginia for his next job. Surprised and disappointed, neither of them wished to depart from the other so soon. Knowing this was something special, Andrew and Erika decided to continue their journey together on the East coast. Although happy to be with one another, the change brought it’s share of challenges. From a lack of good Mexican food and a more temperate climate to a global pandemic bringing the world to a halt, life in Virginia wasn’t so easy at first. During this time Erika and Andrew grew as a couple, their love strengthening with every twist and turn along the way. Together they raised Winnie, their adorable, outgoing, and frustratingly stubborn golden retriever, bought a house together, and continued to grow in their love and admiration for one another. On October 2nd, 2021, while vacationing with family in the Outer Banks, Andrew asked Erika to marry him. Through tears of joy and laughter, Erika couldn’t help but say yes.