Matt, an Ensign, was stationed in Saratoga Springs for Naval Nuclear Prototype School. Erin, a college junior at Syracuse, was out with her girlfriends at Saratoga City Tavern to ring in the New Year. When Erin's friends noticed the group of guys across the bar, they insisted they go meet the boys making eyes at them. Have you ever seen that moment in a RomCom when two people lock eyes, everything around them blurs, and Dreamweaver plays in the background? It was something like that. Shouting over the music, Erin and Matt didn't get much past introductions when they realized they couldn't hear a darn thing in that bar. Laughing at the failed attempt at conversation, but not wanting to end it there, they exchanged numbers instead. The following day, a groggy Erin was elated to receive a text from the handsome sailor she couldn't stop thinking about, asking her on a date. Later that evening, the very nervous practically strangers kept it classic for their first date: dinner and a Quentin Tarantino movie. The chemistry was strong, the puppy love was real, and the rest was history. The two were "an item" by date #3 and both of them started thinking about forever.

Erin only wished Matt could be there to move her into her first big girl apartment in Charleston, South Carolina. While he was supposedly underway, Matt and Erin's father were scheming up ideas to surprise her. After renting a car, driving 7 hours up the coast from Port Canaveral, Florida, taking an earthly shower in the rain, and sleeping in a parking garage, Matt pulled it off. Marching right through the doors of their favorite brunch spot, Matt got down on one shaky knee and asked Erin to marry him. Making a scene in the restaurant, Erin cried so hysterically that she forgot to say yes. They celebrated with Eggs Benedict and mimosas. And we forgot to mention, Matt got the best 25th birthday gift he could ask for.

Living in different states for most of their relationship, it hasn't always been easy for Erin and Matt. The couple has shown their commitment and resilience by proving the long drives, opposite schedules, expensive plane tickets, and 8 month deployments are all worth it to spend a lifetime in love with one another. Erin and Matt are beyond excited to put these obstacles behind them and start their life together in one home, with one last name, and one (maybe 2) dogs. We could not imagine any better way than to celebrate with our families and closest friends. This is the beginning of forever.