We're Getting Married!

Caroline and Erik's love story began as so many others seem to, with their mutual love of cats. For Caroline, it was being a mother to her cat-daughter Bootsie. For Erik, it was being a caregiver to his little cat-brother and longtime roommate, Buddy the Cat, after their mother passed away. This early bond allowed Caroline and Erik to overlook some initial red flags, such as, Erik wearing a sleeveless Chuck Norris shirt in his profile pic, and Caroline’s photo where she appeared to be wearing sunglasses indoors. (Editors note: It turned out she wasn’t; she was under a pavilion so the sunglasses were perfectly acceptable.) Due to them living an hour and a half apart (and being very nervous) they didn't have their first date for a couple of months into knowing one another. During this time however, they talked every day, all day. It was during this time they formed a strong friendship that is the foundation of their relationship. Erik was impressed by Caroline's class, self-respect, and sense of humor. Caroline liked Erik's quick wit and “big buff arms.” On September 22, 2012, they had their first date. Erik was already smitten with Caroline before their date, but upon seeing her it was truly love at first sight. For all of Erik's obvious infatuation, Caroline played the situation cool. Erik’s fears that his feelings were growing too fast were relieved when just over a month after their first date, she wrote "P.S. You're Great!" in the birthday card she gave to him.

It hasn’t all been the perfect fairy tale, and as a couple, they've encountered their share of obstacles. These have come in the form of health problems, financial difficulties, work stress, and illness/passing of loved ones. But through everything, Caroline and Erik have continued to give love, support, and honesty to one another. Regardless of the issue they're facing, their love and respect has never wavered. On the surface, Caroline and Erik are very different people. So much so that some people may not understand why their relationship works so well. In truth, it is these differences which strengthen their partnership. Caroline's positivity and kindness soften Erik's cynical and sometimes harsh viewpoints. Erik's self-assuredness and ability to handle confrontation balance Caroline's fear of being a bother. Each acknowledge they are fragmented, but once put together, they became whole. Though it is one of the most cliché things a person can say, Caroline and Erik truly believe they are blessed to get to marry their best friend. To this day, they spend every moment possible together, discuss everything imaginable, and each is the person with which they most want to share their triumphs and struggles. As they look toward September 22, 2018, 6 years later from their very first date, they are excited to put an exclamation to the end of their current chapter and begin the next chapter, which will last forever. They are very happy you will be able to share this most special day with them.