Our Story
Question
HOW IT STARTED
Answer
Eryn was living the blissfully single life in 2018 until a heartfelt conversation with a friend one December night unearthed her desire to find a partner. The moment she got home after that convo, Eryn created a Hinge dating app profile. Erik was one of the first men she connected with. He was holding an 8-week-old pup in his profile picture—she figured his insider knowledge on where to snuggle puppies would come in handy. Erik initiated the conversation by commenting on Eryn's unusual love of Ethiopian food. After chatting back and forth for a day about all their fav spots to hit in Salt Lake, Eryn asked “are you finally going to ask me out on a date to one of these places?” She was clearly a woman on a mission. They planned a date to meet up and grab coffee to-go so they could walk around the Christmas lights at Temple square.
Question
THE EARLY DAYS
Answer
Eryn sent a quick message en route to the first date with Erik, warning him to keep his eyes peeled for the Michelin man [note: This was winter in Utah. She was bundled in 10 layers—including a puffy white jacket]. Despite Eryn showing up 15 minutes late to the date, Erik was patiently waiting, prepared with her fav holiday latte in-hand. Eryn remembers feeling instantly comfortable with Erik as they chatted about Gonzaga basketball, politics, and Erik's top-notch brussel sprout roasting abilities…so much so that they ended up circling Temple Square about 10 times until they were kicked out. They didn’t want the date to end, so they cozied up inside White Horse, a bar in downtown Salt Lake. After Erik showed Eryn the (many) dog Instagram accounts he follows, Eryn agreed to grabbing brunch with him that upcoming weekend. That brunch turned into a marathon 7-hour date. While chatting in the car around hour 7, clearly not wanting date #2 to end, Eryn suddenly realized the time. “I have to go!” Eryn said. “Why, have another hot date or something?” Erik asked. “…yes,” Eryn replied. Spoiler: the dates with other contenders only lasted a couple more weeks before Eryn was certain her heart belonged to Erik.
Question
THE BIG MOVE
Answer
After a fun evening at Fullsteam Brewery in Durham, North Carolina during the Duke admitted student's weekend, Eryn called Erik and confessed "I think I'm moving to North Carolina for graduate school." Erik jumped into a NC job search immediately without second thought--until a week or two later he suddenly stopped and said "Oh wait, we never had the official talk. You want me to follow you to North Carolina, right?" Erik's certainty about his decision was confirmed during a phone call with his dad. Erik's dad was wary of the move, but said "If she is 'the one' then you should follow her to NC." His dad's words reflected what he knew to be true: Eryn was his lobster. Erik chose to move to North Carolina on one condition: they must adopt a dog. Five months later, Erik (and Erik's mother) found Jax, a scruffy terrier mutt, at a rescue pup-n-greet. Jax continues to be the center of Eryn and Erik's world and accompanies them on many an adventure. Erik and Eryn moved into a cute 2-bedroom downtown Durham bungalow in fall 2021 and have embraced life as Durhamites--always up for trying a new restaurant, bar, or hiking spot!
Question
THE PROPOSAL(S)
Answer
After Eryn’s failed attempt to propose to Erik in July 2022 due to a COVID interception, Erik took a turn and planned a proposal. They got engaged in their beloved city of Durham, North Carolina on August 5th. After proposing to one another and both exchanging rings in their home, with Jax as the “ring bearer” to help facilitate the exchange, Erik whisked Eryn away to Bull City Ciderworks to celebrate with friends at a surprise engagement party! They partied the night (and the weekend) away. And now they can’t wait to party with you, too!