Eric and Hilary met shortly after they both moved to Denver. Eric joined a Cup In Hand Kickball league with two friends. Hilary joined the same kickball league as a free agent. They ended up on the same team, The Empire Kicks Back! They started talking at the bar after one of the kickball games. They bonded over the fact that they both loved hiking in Colorado. As the kickball league went on, their relationship progressed.

Eric and Hilary planned a summer trip to Durango, Colorado, with Hilary's parents. Unfortunately, Hilary's parents could no longer make it due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eric was able to convince their friends, Brittany (matron of honor) and Robby, to come on the trip instead. Eric planned a hot air balloon ride as a surprise. To cover up the surprise, Brittany asked Hilary to do a hike while they were in Durango. The four of them were on the way to go hiking and Eric asked Hilary to reach in the glove box of the vehicle. Hilary found a card inside that revealed they would be getting on a hot air balloon ride within the hour. Hilary had always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon. While they were in the air, Eric asked Robby to take a photo of him and Hilary. Eric got down on one knee and proposed!