Eric and I met at work in 2017. He started at TQL one month after I did, and over the first few years, we became really close friends. Through the many ups and downs in life, our friendship only grew stronger, and eventually we realized there was more than just a little friendly chemistry between us. Thankfully, we trusted our guts, took the leap, and now we can say without a doubt it was one of the best decisions we've ever made. We officially started dating in 2021 and the rest is truly history!

It was a Friday, and Evansville was in the middle of an ice storm, so we both worked from home in our pajamas. Little did I know, Eric was frantically rearranging all the plans he had put together months prior while I worked less than 50 feet away from him. Within 30 minutes of my mom arriving for her weekend visit, I’d been kindly urged to get out of my pajamas, brush my hair, and get ready to go to dinner. I took the bait, and then was tasked to run a quick pre-dinner errand for my mom. When I got back to the house, I was greeted at the door by our dog, Irish, who was wearing a white bandana that read, “Will you marry my dad?” I froze for what surely felt like a lifetime, before turning to see Eric down on one knee, roses in one hand and a little green box in the other. After helping him put the ring on my finger, he led me to the stairs where I saw my two best friends quietly waiting for their cue – Katie had flown in all the way from New Jersey, and Danielle followed my mom into town from Columbia that afternoon. After lots of hugging, crying, and Face Timing, we all agreed that dinner and drinks were a must, and we called Eric’s family to join us at Zaps Tavern. Unbeknownst to me, my friend Lucy was following close behind recording my reaction as I blindly walked into our surprise engagement party. The room was packed with our friends and family from both Evansville and Columbia. I don't think it really hit me that he'd set this all up until I stopped to scan the room while everyone clapped and cheered. The energy that night was truly unmatched. I was speechless! Eric and I spent the rest of the night celebrating, surrounded by some of our closest friends and family. Needless to say, it was the most memorable, heartfelt day we could've ever asked for! For a man who hates surprises, he sure does know how to pull them off! After 6 years of friendship, 2 years of dating, and 1 crazy fur baby added to the mix, we are so incredibly excited to celebrate our love with you on our wedding day! See you in Evansville!