In 2013, Marty had recently made the move from his hometown of Sacramento to the Bay Area. While getting used to this new location, Marty was also toughing it through his first year of teaching middle school math. At the same time, Erika had just wrapped up working aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship for 5 months. She was elated to be back home in California and to have survived her time with Mickey Mouse. Needless to say, the pair were both in big transition phases when they came across one another's OKCupid profiles. Erika was puzzled but intrigued by Marty's eclectic array of photos. Some of which included a professional head-shot (whilst juggling), a photo of him shredding on a guitar in front of a large crowd, and lastly a photo of him in his classroom. After chatting for a bit Erika decided to go on a date with Marty, she knew at the very least, it would not be boring. On their first date they found that the conversations flowed effortlessly as they discussed their childhoods (and adulthood) spent away at overnight summer camp, all of the countries they've traveled to, and all of the concerts they've attended (some being the same ones). The two learned quickly that although there were many differences between the two, the things that they shared in common were the makings of a lasting and deep relationship. What they did have in common was their unwavering loyalty to the people close to them, the immeasurable size of their hearts, and their fierce can-do attitudes in regards to their goals. The following months Erika and Marty spent most of their time together exploring California and slowly, but surely, falling in love with all the unique things about one another.

By 2017, the pair was confident they were ready for the next step. Erika is a woman with specific tastes, so naturally she wanted a vintage ring and she wanted to help Marty pick it out. She made an appointment with a small shop in San Francisco. They listened to the owner's spiel, expressing that her inventory is also online, so if something sells, it sells! After trying on several rings, they knew when they had found it! Both wanted an element of surprise, so they left it up in the air with Erika making (not so) subtle hints. A few days passed before Marty called Erika at work. He put his theater minor to use and in his saddest voice she'd ever heard, said that it had sold. She believed him without any doubt. Little did she know, Marty had gone back to the City the next day to purchase it. Completely unaware, she dragged him to more jewelry shops. Sweating bullets, he was soon relieved when all she did was show jewelers photos of the ring to see if they could recreate it. With more secrets up his sleeve, Marty visited Erika's parents to ask for their blessing and then hid the ring in his coat pocket for two months before asking. In late September 2017, the pair had plans to go to Santa Cruz for a small music festival. Marty was excited for bluegrass bands and Erika can't say no to a weekend in the forest. On their way to Santa Cruz they unexpectedly stopped in Saratoga to visit the beautiful Montavlo Arts Center which has tons of hiking trails. After an hour on the trail Marty told Erika to turn around and not look and she wondered what was happening. She thought maybe he had packed her a cookie as he often carries surprise snacks on their hikes. When she finally turned around he was down on one knee! While she knew this moment was coming she had no idea the time was now! She looked down and saw the ring that spoke to her heart being held by the man that has her heart.