The first time they met at the Grundy Ice Rink, these two teenagers, just 15 and 16, had no idea they were about to begin a lifelong adventure. They instantly connected over hockey, ice skating, Taken movies, and their shared ability to find humor in everything. Even more unique, they bonded over something rare and a little controversial: their mutual dislike of cheese. On December 15, 2014, he officially asked her out, and they began dating; starting a journey that would grow into something far bigger than either of them could have imagined. From the very beginning, they made it a tradition to celebrate every single month together, and nearly a decade later, they still do. Whether through busy school weeks, late-night phone calls, or life’s harder seasons, they always made time for one another. Their love was built on showing up - for hockey games, orchestra concerts, and all the big and small moments in between. High school wasn’t always easy, but their bond was a constant, and their commitment to lifting each other up made them stronger as individuals and as a couple. They danced through both of their junior and senior proms before heading off to colleges just 20 minutes apart, where they spent nearly every day together studying, laughing, building friendships, and creating memories that still make them smile. After college, they moved into their first apartment, which they’ve now shared for over two years with their beloved dog, Xena. Since they had always known they wanted kids one day, Xena became the perfect “in-between” - a joyful part of their little family who’s been with them through every chapter. In August 2025, they traveled out of the country for the first time to the Bahamas. Erika didn’t even know where they were going, it was a complete surprise. On their second day, as they walked along the beach, he shared all the little “lies” he had told to pull off the trip and explained the true meaning behind being there: the memories of his late mom, the connection to his past, and the life they were building together. After 10 years, 8 months, and 13 days of love and growth, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Looking back, it’s wild to think that when they first started dating, neither of them even had a driver’s license. Since then, they’ve been through almost every milestone side by side: teenage years, high school dances, college, first jobs, moving in together, raising a dog, and now planning a wedding. Their proposal wasn’t just a promise for the future, it was a celebration of the decade they’ve built together and the love story that continues to grow with every passing day.