For Tyler and Erin, there were multiple opportunities to cross paths before finally meeting in 2021. Both their parents had connections to New Brighton, PA and both Tyler & Erin had visited over the years. Tyler spent his undergrad years at University of Pittsburgh where Erin and her dad would attend college basketball games. They lived less than 2 miles from each other in Cincinnati and Erin had gone to his apartment complex multiple times to hang out at the pool with her friend that lived there. But it took matching on a dating app for these two to finally meet. Their first conversation was an in-depth analysis of the Shrek soundtrack and how underrated it is. Fast-forward a couple of weeks, Tyler & Erin went on their first date at The Oak Tavern where Tyler got a beer and thinking this was a dinner date, Erin got bone-in wings (no-shame; but also a horrible first date meal). And the rest, as they say, is history.

When the discussion of the perfect proposal first came up, Erin and Tyler joked around that he should just propose in front of giraffes since she has a slight obsession with the animal. But with a trip to Orlando and Animal Kingdom already in the works, Tyler realized he could turn this joke into reality. With some help from Tyler's "Experts" he landed on the perfect plan. With the plan set and the ring secured, the two got on the flight to Florida. They spent the first couple of days enjoying Disney Springs, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom. When the proposal day finally arrived, Tyler led Erin to the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom. Little did Erin know, Tyler had booked a behind the scenes tour of the safari. The execution of the plan required stalling to get perfect timing, forcing Erin to find the bathrooms for herself so he could talk to the staff, and distracting Erin so she didn't see the ring too early. During the tour they got to walk over the crocodile and hippopotamus enclosures, learn more about the animals that Disney takes care of, and get up close and personal to their favorite safari animals. They even found out that one of Disney's hippos was related to the famous Fiona at the Cincinnati Zoo. The safari concluded with a specially crafted lunch in the middle of the safari area. Tyler was extremely nervous during lunch and could hardly eat, but Erin didn't notice. After lunch, the guides offered to take pictures of Erin and Tyler in front of the Lion exhibit. When Tyler held Erin's hands, she knew this was it. Tyler got down on one knee and popped the question. Erin said yes! We're so excited to get to celebrate this next chapter with you!