Mike and Erica met in 1995 where they were both "super cool" members of their high school band. Erica rocked the flute and Mike the bass clarinet. Even though they sat on complete opposite ends of the classroom, it didn't take long for Mike's charming smile and charismatic personality to capture Erica's attention and heart. However, as luck would have it, Erica, who was 2 years ahead of Mike in school, was moving to San Diego to attend college and Mike was staying in Kenosha to finish high school. So....they went their separate ways for over 20 years. However, despite the time and distance apart, they often thought of each other and wondered how each was doing. Neither thought they'd really ever cross paths again. But! Mike and Erica did reconnect in early 2017. Since that time, Mike and Erica couldn't get enough of each other's company, even if for a while it was over the phone. Finally, Mike and Erica decided they couldn't bear to be 2,000 miles apart anymore and Mike moved out to San Diego with his children, Michael, Ava, and August, to be with Erica on August 1, 2017. The rest, they say, is history.

Let’s just say UPS plus Dangerous Minds on cable is a recipe for success. Cue the roller coaster music montage... Seriously, Mike had to chase down UPS to find the ring (yes, you read that right - UPS lost the ring!), and once he did, he wasn't going to wait any longer to propose since UPS already ruined his plans! After Mike finally located it, he called Erica's dad from the UPS parking lot to ask his permission to marry her and then raced home to pop the question. (And in case anyone is wondering, Erica's dad said yes!) Once home, he found Erica sitting on the bed watching Dangerous Minds. (Don't ask why, okay? It was just one of those days where the remote wasn't nearby, laziness was in full effect, hair/teeth a mess...you have all been there - don't judge!). Anyway, Mike crawled into bed next to her, took the ring out and proposed. Erica of course said "yes!!!!" and wouldn't you know, Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise " literally came on at that exact time. Meant to be? I think so.

It's plain and simple. Erica is of Italian decent and Mike is of Swedish decent. Get it?