Venessa and Erik’s journey together started 3 years earlier than either of them first realized. They briefly met in college at the University of Florida (Go Gators!) in the spring of 2013, only to completely forget the other existed until 3 years later in the spring of 2016. Venessa, a Tampa native, was visiting friends in Fort Lauderdale where Erik and his roommates were having a soiree. Erik wasn’t even going to attend due to being sick. However, once he saw Venessa walk through the door, he quickly changed his mind. Simultaneously, Venessa knew she was in trouble when she saw Erik. Good trouble, but enough trouble to share with her friends she was hooked. A couple awkward stare downs later, the two finally exchanged a few words – over who gets the last, cold Bud Light. Erik remembers it being a Michelob Ultra, but either way this was clearly a classy get together. Wisely, Erik being the gentlemen that he is, offered the last beer. The next part differs depending on who you ask: His version: Erik began to recognize Venessa’s familiar face and even remembered her name. Eventually he approached Venessa and mentioned this to her. Erik likes to think that his great memory is what sparked their relationship. Hers: As the night went on, Erik finally mustered the courage (and dance moves) to ask for Venessa’s number. While saving her contact information, Venessa felt the need to emphasize the spelling of her name (e, not a), but before she could, Erik shared the fact he already knew these details (and her). It totally creeped her out initially – so much so Venessa questioned the man! Erik provided some context and Venessa thought “what’s the worst that can happen?” and went back to enjoying Erik’s company. (Turns out the worst thing that could happen is that they would fall in love and end up getting married!). Nonetheless, the two began their cross-state relationship shortly thereafter.

In typical LDR fashion, the next 1.5 years consisted of many planes, trains, and automobiles. Let’s not forget the countless texts and calls into the wee hours of the night (i.e. 11pm ET – Erik needed his beauty sleep). Erik even let Venessa bring Cookie during these visits (shout out Grant!). Soon, Erik became the father Cookie never had (Venessa is jealous but we won’t speak of it). These affectionate acts showed true devotion and dedication, growing their relationship stronger and stronger each day. It wasn’t until January 2018 that the two packed their bags, said Good-bye to Florida and took their talents to Atlanta, GA to live with one another. They rented a cozy apartment near the ATL Beltline and began exploring the city via electric scooter, taking Cookie on long walks (well, more like medium walks), and grabbing tasty food at Ponce City Market (plus occasional window shopping at West Elm). They’ve enjoyed discovering all that Atlanta has to offer and have made some great friends along the way. When they packed their bags a second time on May 1st, 2019, things would change… for the best and sweetest. The two left on long trip to the beautiful country of Spain as boyfriend and girlfriend, and returned as the future Mr. & Mrs. Johnson.