Like many modern love stories, ours began on a dating app... Hinge. At the time, Erin was officially exhausted by dating in New York. Over lunch one day at a sushi spot in Park Slope, she told her roommate Hana that she was done putting herself out there. When Erin mentioned she had a date that night, her plan was simple: cancel. Hana had other ideas. With one perfectly timed question “But what if he’s the one?” Hana convinced Erin to go. So Erin showed up, not knowing she was about to walk into one of the most unconventional first dates imaginable. From Eric’s side, he was just happy the date was finally happening. After months of rescheduled plans and Erin insisting on afternoon coffee dates only, the fact that she agreed to an actual evening plan felt like a win. He invited her to Brooklyn Barge, casually leaving out one important detail. When Erin arrived, she quickly realized this wasn’t just a casual meet-up... it was Eric’s friend’s birthday party. She didn’t know it was a birthday, didn’t know anyone there, and somehow still decided to stay. What could have been awkward turned into an unexpectedly great night. At one point during the evening, Eric casually pulled out his phone and used an app to change the lights on the Empire State Building, because apparently that’s a thing he can do. It was equal parts impressive, surprising, and very New York. What began as a swipe on Hinge quickly grew into something steady, genuine, and full of love. Looking back, we’re incredibly grateful for dating apps, bold first-date choices, surprise birthday parties, city skylines and especially Hana, for insisting Erin take a chance.

About five dates in, Erin told Eric something important: she was moving to Pittsburgh in July to start her residency. It wasn’t casual news, and it wasn’t an easy moment but it was honest. From the very beginning, they chose openness, even when it came with uncertainty. Instead of walking away, they kept choosing each other. What followed were three years of long-distance love, with Erin in Pittsburgh and Eric in New York. Their relationship became one built on FaceTime calls, packed weekends, and a lot of flights. We’re fairly certain we personally funded the LGA to PIT route during those years. Distance wasn’t always easy, but it made their bond stronger. Every visit mattered, every goodbye was tough, and every reunion felt worth it. Through demanding schedules, big milestones, and everyday life in two different cities, they built a partnership rooted in patience, trust, and an unwavering belief in one another. Somewhere between Pittsburgh and New York, it became clear: this was it. No number of miles or flights was going to change that.

After three years of long distance, countless FaceTime calls, and more flights between New York and Pittsburgh than we can count, it was finally time to stop saying goodbye. When Erin began looking for fellowship programs in Pediatric Anesthesia, one thing was clear: wherever came next needed to be a place where they could finally be together. Erin chose Cohen Children’s, and with that choice came something even bigger the decision to build a life in the same city as Eric and his work in New York. Eric, a California boy at heart, and Erin, a Pittsburgh girl through and through, found themselves choosing New York, not as a compromise, but as home. For the first time, there were no return flights to book and no countdowns to the next visit. Instead, there were shared routines, quiet nights at home, and the joy of turning everyday moments into something meaningful. What once required calendars and coordination became simple: life, together. Now, with deep gratitude for the journey that brought them here and excitement for what’s ahead, Erin and Eric are ready for the next chapter. We can’t wait to celebrate with you.