Erika and Alessio met back in high school as part of the same friend group and quickly became close. Over time, their friendship turned into something more — helped by a shared love for being out on the water, especially boating and spending time by the ocean. They’ve been together for six years now. Not long after they started dating, Erika moved away for college, and they made long distance work with weekend visits, FaceTime calls, and counting down the days to the next adventure. When COVID hit about a year later, Erika moved back home. After a few short months, they moved in together — starting out like roommates and now creating a home of their own. They’ve loved every moment of turning that house into a home ever since. On December 26, 2024, the day after Christmas, Alessio completely surprised Erika with a proposal while they were in Charleston — and of course, she said yes. They spent the rest of the trip soaking up the city and the excitement of this brand-new chapter. Now they’re planning their wedding and can’t wait to celebrate with the people who’ve been there through it all. Erika and Alessio are so excited to spend forever together — and maybe sneak in a boat day or two along the way.