Aaron and Erika met on April 22, 2021, outside of Hungry Ghost Coffee Shop — though technically it started as a work thing. A mutual friend couldn’t make a food shoot and suggested Aaron step in. Erika pulled up in her Uber, saw him waiting outside, and immediately thought, oh no… he’s cute. What was supposed to be a simple day of work ended with Aaron helping her carry her kit home and the two of them grabbing a drink “just because.” That night he met her dog, Edward, and her friend Justin — and after Aaron left, Erika turned to Justin and said, “He might be the one.” (Bold, but correct.) They worked together a few more times before finally calling something a “date.” That first official one started with coffee at Devoción in Williamsburg, turned into a long walk through Domino Park, and evolved into an ambitious attempt to ferry to Red Hook. When their original terminal was closed for renovations, they pivoted — walking to the Navy Yard and eventually making it aboard. In Red Hook, they shared seafood at Brooklyn Crab, enjoyed the first hints of spring, and later found themselves at Sonny's with the Kentucky Derby playing over the radio. It was one of those effortless New York days — lots of walking, a little chaos, and the quiet realization that neither of them wanted it to end. That summer, Aaron left for work on Fisher’s Island. Erika visited often —the two shared many bike rides to Isabella Beach, magical sunsets, simple meals, trips to the mainland, and somewhere in between they decided this was real. They officially started dating on May 28, 2021. By October, they moved in together and began building their life in Brooklyn. Since then, they’ve made countless trips to Maine to be with Erika’s family and soak in nature, and to Florida to visit Aaron’s family and enjoy the sunshine. They share a love for the outdoors, beaches, travel, cooking, slow mornings, going to the movies, reality TV (Survivor), playing pool, peace and quiet — and of course, their beloved dog Edward. College football season in their home is lively: Aaron (HugeGatorGuy) bleeds orange and blue as a life long Florida Gators fan, while Erika proudly cheers for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football. A house divided on Saturdays, is always united by Sunday. The Proposal Aaron proposed last March at Popham Beach State Park — a place that has long felt sacred to them. They once spent a quiet Valentine’s weekend there in 2022, staying in a house right on the beach with no one else around. Peaceful, windswept, and perfect. On the day of the proposal, they walked nearly the entire stretch of beach in freezing temperatures and blustery wind. Erika suspected something might be coming… then thought maybe not… especially as they kept walking further and further into the cold (very unlike Aaron, who is from Florida and not exactly a fan of frigid Maine weather). When they turned the bend and Fort Popham came into view, Aaron finally knelt down and asked Erika to marry him. In true Aaron fashion, the trip was strategically planned around the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament — and as it turned out, the Florida Gators men's basketball went on to win the national championship. Two championships that weekend. Erika will always remember that exact spot on the beach. It’s now her favorite view in the world. The Wedding Aaron and Erika will be married on May 22, 2026, at Brooklyn's City Clerk's Office in an intimate ceremony. They plan to keep the evening just for the two of them — a quiet celebration of the life they’ve built together. On May 23rd, they’ll open their Brooklyn home to family and friends for a casual open-house-style party — a day for people to pop in, share a drink, tell stories, and celebrate in a way that feels most like them: relaxed, joyful, and surrounded by love.