Mary and Erik were introduced for the most part through their dear friends Michael Robbins (groomsman) & Savannah Lowder (bridesmaid) on a Sunday in November 2017 at their other dear friends (and bridesmaids) Sydney, Erin and Lauren's house in South End Charlotte for a Panthers tailgate. At Erik's request, Savannah tried to set up an introduction the weekend prior, but plans didn't pan out. That Sunday they met, Mary was feeling particularly down and didn't feel up for joining everyone to tailgate but Lauren and Sydney insisted she needed to get out and have some fun. So, Mary took their advice. Erik didn't know Mary was coming and when Savannah ran over to tell him she was there, he was tickled. He hopped on a hoverboard (yes, a hoverboard) and zoomed over to Mary, stuck out his hand and introduced himself. Mary thought he was a goober. But a handsome goober. Most of the group headed into the stadium for the game, while Mary and Erik joined Mike and Savannah to watch the game at Slate, a local bar more like a club on game days. As drinks were flowing and music was pumping, Erik tried to get Mary's attention but his approach wasn't working. She thought he was obnoxious. Later that evening after the bar (no one can really recall when) Mary and Erin decided to go to Taco Bell. Erik insisted on joining, he wasn't done trying. Erik changed his approach (aka he cut the sh**) and quickly started to grow on Mary. Mary was interested, Erin didn't realize she was on what could arguably be considered the couple's "first date", and the rest was history!