They say timing is everything — and for us, they were right. We first met at New Holland Auto Care, where Eric was working for Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Jess was a service receptionist attending her early years of community college. Life pulled us in different directions, but years later, it found a way to bring us back together. We reconnected while Jess was dog sitting for a mutual friend — a few visits, a couple of conversations, and some John Mayer tunes later, and everything just clicked. The rest, as they say, is history. Jess met Eric’s kids shortly after, and their bond was instant — something that felt easy and meant to be from day one. After four and a half years together (and sixteen years of knowing one another at the time), Eric proposed in true spontaneous fashion — on a Tuesday night in September at the Mann Center in Philly, surrounded by friends and city lights. Completely unplanned, totally him. We’re total opposites in the best way — two stubborn personalities, one wild sense of humor, and a shared love for good food. Eric’s the go-go-go type; Jess is the calm in the chaos (well… most days). Somehow, our scattered brains balance each other out. Together, we’ve learned that love isn’t about perfection — it’s about partnership, patience, and always finding a reason to laugh, no matter what life throws our way. We’re so grateful for every step that led us here — and even more grateful to have our favorite people by our side as we celebrate the start of forever.