On a Monday night in September, Erica left her least favorite college class halfway through and went to Redd's bar and restaurant in Moonachie, NJ to meet her friends to watch the Broncos vs. Raiders Monday Night game. When she walked in with her best friends Ally and Kristie, Erica took the first open spot at the table, which happened to be next to Tommy (whom she had never met before). Even though she was talking on the phone, Tommy wasted no time in introducing himself by pinching her arm incessantly before they had even spoken a word. Pinching became their inside joke as they became good friends immediately. Their first date happened by accident a few months later when their friends all bailed on a meal at Chili's, leaving Tommy and Erica alone at the table to get to know each other. Though Tommy swears Erica told him he wasn't boyfriend material, they were officially dating 5 months later and have been happily together ever since.

On a rainy weekend down the shore, Tommy fooled Erica into thinking he was taking her on a date for "teacher's appreciation week." As an additional treat, he paid for Erica and his sister Lauren (who is also a teacher!) to get their nails done. Although this should have been an obvious, massive, blinking red sign that a proposal was forthcoming, Erica was too eager for a day off to catch on. All ready for their evening, Erica giddily played Bruce Springsteen's "Jersey Girl" where The Boss reminds us that "down the shore everything's alright/ you and your baby on a Saturday night" while Tommy anxiously watched the forecast. After a visit to the Ship Bottom Brewery, Tommy rushed Erica into the car for their "dinner" at Daddy-O so that they could see the storm clouds over the ocean before the rain was supposed to hit. Erica--who loves storms and nature in general-- happily obliged. When they arrived at the beach, Tommy and Erica "found" a beautiful display of lanterns, flowers, and champagne, which Erica (yes, still foolishly) thought may have been a Mother's Day picture backdrop. As they got closer, Erica realized it was meant for her and, like the impending rain, began to cry uncontrollably. When she turned around, her friends and family were all waiting up in the dunes which shocked her so much she fell down and cried even more. After many pictures, hugs, and tears, the family went back to the shore house for a party. Tommy and Erica ended the night by going back to Daddy-O's hotel where their friends left a trail of rose petals and champagne.

We will be posting more information about accommodations and RSVPs in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the bride or groom. We can't wait to celebrate with you!