Austin and Erica didn’t meet the traditional way that one might think. They met on an online dating app called bumble. They messaged for a few weeks and Austin got up the courage to ask her on a date! He took her to T-Bones, Kings Bowling Lanes and Blakes Ice Cream. It was a great first date that led to many more! As their relationship started to develop, so did COVID. Erica moved back to her parents’ home in Massachusetts, and they were forced not to see each other for two months due to the lockdown. They talked whenever they could and would visit one another keeping the six-foot rule. Once the lockdown lifted, they reunited on June 7th, 2020, picking things up where they left off. The following day they said their first “I love you” to each other. As time passed, Erica moved to New Hampshire and later led them to live together. They had many great adventures together and created many wonderful memories with friends and family.

The night before, Austin told Erica the plan for the following morning to make sure she knew to bundle up. The only information he gave was to dress warm, it will be a two-hour car ride, and the “hike” would be a mile. The morning of the engagement Austin and Erica woke up at 5:30am to get ready for their “hike”. Austin gave fashion advice as Erica got ready to make sure she looked her best for the special moment! They left by 6am and arrived by 8am. Once they arrived Erica had to use the bathroom which gave Austin ample time to find the ring that slid in the car door. As they started to make their way up to the top of the mountain, Austin mentioned there were flowers on the ground. Erica insisted they leave them because it might be for someone. When they passed more flowers, Austin began to pick them up and handed them to Erica. At this point Erica was confused because she didn’t think the flowers were for her. As they reached the peak of the mountain there were sunflowers laying on the ground. Erica Commented to Austin “what are you up to weirdo”. Austin turned and looked at Erica and said “I didn’t drive you two hours to stand in the freezing cold on some mountain with clouds all around for no reason. You are my best friend and the love of my life”. As he said those words he got down on one knee and asked, “will you marry me?”.