In August 1982, the glimmer that had long existed in the eyes of Gary and Kay Saxvik materialized in human form on the shores of Lake Michigan, when Erik was born. The early years were ripe with excitement, as Erik began to learn the ways of the world from the most excellent teachers around, his parents. They shared their passions effusively and Erik developed a strong appreciation early on for the things his parents loved; theatre, music, art, language and the Chicago Bears. After stumbling through his adolescence, his dreams of being an artist were refined in College and Graduate School before his move to New York City in 2008. When his feet hit the pavement in NYC at age 25 he thought to himself "This place is awesome, I can't wait to see what it has in store for me! But also, I have a sneaking suspicion that things are really gonna start happening in more meaningful ways when I turn 35." Little did he know..... Concurrently during this time there was a little girl from Texas who was a bright shining star from her beginnings in 1986, the joy of her parents' Patrick and Roni's hearts (3rd time's a charm!). Erica was a natural talent from a very early age, who picked up the violin at age 3 and carried it with her all along her way. Her parents were incomparable custodians of her talent and exposed her to everything that the fine arts had to offer, encouraging and supporting her all the way. Whether she was playing pretend in her room alone, playing 1st violin in orchestra, or impressing people with her star quality in plays and musicals, she strived for excellence in all of her pursuits. In 2004, at the age of 18, she moved to New York City to pursue her dream of performing and within a few short years, landed a role on Broadway. Her artistry continues to flourish today as concertmaster for Eagles. So how did these two theatre kids get together? At the theatre, of course! On the day after Erik's 35th birthday, right when he was ready for "things to start happening" he was invited to an opening night performance and after party by his dear friend, actor (and now wedding ceremony officiant!) Cynthia Mace. The show was on 42nd street at Theatre Row, and he went with his friend Eric to see the show and mingle with the riff-raff afterwards. As alumni of the theatre company producing that same show, Erica and her friend Janie were invited guests as well, and they readied themselves for a fateful night out at the theatre. After the performance of the show, the cast, crew and audience were all invited across the street to the West Bank Cafe, a classic pre and post-show haunt for theatre artists and audiences alike. It was in the Laurie Beechman theatre in the basement of the West Bank that Erik looked up to find his friend who had wandered off from the bar. He scanned the room (which was largely occupied by a crowd discernably more aged than Erik's tender 35 years) and identified his buddy in the far corner of the room, talking to some people. As Erik began walking towards him, the crowd parted and he saw Erica for the first time. She looked up as he was walking over and as cheesy as it sounds, the moment their eyes met it was as if everyone else in the room faded into the background. It is a moment that neither of them will ever forget. They ignored everyone else for the rest of the evening, talking about art, life, love and their dreams for 4 hours, until their friends finally forced them to call it a night. They met across a crowded room and it was love at first sight. The rest is history! They have been inseparable ever since and are excited for the future they are going to build together!