I think I’m quite ready for another adventure...

In the cinematic masterpiece known as "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," Galadriel says to Frodo, “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” Our story starts with the smallest of actions: a mere swipe of the thumb. Eric and Melanie matched on a dating app on October 3rd, 2021, with Eric quoting the "Mean Girls" film. From that moment, the conversation turned into a series of textbook-length messages filled with the lore of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. With flirtation in the air, the pair decided to meet in person on December 5th, 2021, at a small cafe in Pittsburgh. The Force was strong between these two and the conversation went on for hours. Melanie loved hearing Eric talk about Lord of the Rings, so she asked "Can you tell me more about The Simarillion?" Eric claims this was one of the moments he knew she was his person. Alas, this five-hour conversation only came to a close as Eric had to fly out to Florida the following morning; otherwise, the pair would have been at the table until the restaurant closed. A week later, Eric returned, and the pair met again at a Comic-Con where their first picture was taken...with Sean Astin. The courtship thrived throughout the holiday season, with the pair bonding over the video game Hades. Eric brought the video game to life on April 6th, 2022, when he presented Melanie with his version of the "nectar" potion (this "advances" your relationship with people in the game). Coincidentally, Melanie planned to ask him that very night to become official. The couple knew early on that they were each other's soulmate - "I love you" was said within the first two weeks of dating. In the months to follow, the couple were driving nearly an hour, through Pittsburgh tunnel traffic (several times a week), to spend roughly two hours with each other. Side note: Melanie first met Rufus and Franklin on February 25th, 2022, when she asked if she could watch Eric play Elden Ring (another video game)...the couple shared their first kiss that night, after having received the proper pupper approval, of course! The love, nerdiness, and happiness grew with each day the couple spent with each other. On June 3rd, 2023, Melanie threw a surprise birthday party for Eric surrounded by some dear friends. The next day, Melanie asked, "What if I move in?" Unbeknownst to Melanie, Eric was plotting the means for a proposal that very month. After receiving Don and Kay Kauffman's blessing, "Operation: Engagement" was in full force. His accomplices? Matthew and Jaime Emerson, Daniel Sullenberger, Gailan Williams, and Journie Crutchman (see The Wedding Party tab). The targeted location? Ohiopyle. Did Melanie know? Nope...she started climbing on tall rocks during the hike. Eric bent the knee...er, proposed...on September 16th, 2023. The couple spent the fall and holiday seasons in the bliss of engagement. In January 2024, the couple started "Operation: Plan Wedding" - which brings us to the present day. The smallest action changed the course of our lives - granting us the greatest unexpected adventure thus far. Both are quite ready for their next adventure in life... "I would rather spend one lifetime with you, than face all the ages of this world alone" - Arwen to Aragorn, Lord of the Rings.