We met (virtually) through a friend on AOL instant messenger back in 2006. It took years of messaging and texting for James to finally build up the courage to take Erica on a date in 2009... at our local tanning salon (LOL). And the rest as we know it, is history!

After 13 years together and many missed opportunities (cough, cough PARIS! Ha) James finally decided to propose in their their favorite place - Tahoe. But all didn't go completely as planned.... Back in May, James told Erica he was gifting her a romantic getaway to Edgewood as a belated birthday gift. The week leading up to said trip, things started getting majorly SUS for Erica. Everyone around her started acting off: James wouldn't let her order sushi on his phone (he thought her sister would text him about all the surprises in the works), her dad barely called her (everyone knows Rob calls his daughters no less than 3x a day), and her mom mysteriously showed up at her nail appointment! Nancy Drew (Erica) was on the case.... and telling all her girlfriends how off things felt! As suspicious as she was, she had thought he was going to propose a few times before, so she didn't hold her breath. Once arriving in Tahoe, Nancy Drew was distracted by all the amazing things James planned for them like a day at the spa, yoga on the beach, and a fabulous meal at Hell's Kitchen. Finally, James told Erica he had one last surprise for her on the beach before they headed home. Little did she know that James had been conspiring his plan with many loved ones for weeks..... Alas! She walked onto the beach to find dozens of beautiful roses, champagne, and James on one knee! After saying yes, James surprised Erica with her parents and siblings from both sides to join for a quick toast and many sweet photos. The surprises continued, when they all headed back to the her parents Airbnb and were greeted by a few close friends. The night concluded with a private meal at their favorite wine bar overlooking the lake and dancing the night away at "Arties Party" inside Harrah's!