we are so excited to celebrate our special day with you

One Saturday night during Erika's sophomore year at Clemson University (Go Tigers!), she struck up a conversation with a fellow in a Cincinnati Reds hat, poking fun at how they had gotten beaten by the St. Louis Cardinals the previous night. They chatted some and enjoyed the conversation, but then went their separate ways. A few weeks later, Erika asked her friend (and now bridesmaid) Lauren, if Jake was available to be her date for an upcoming sorority function. Luckily, Jake agreed to come as Erika's date back in 2014 and now here they are! They have already shared some life milestones, from graduating undergrad, celebrating two Clemson Football National Championships, finishing graduate school (Jake with his Master's in American History and Erika with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy), adopting a puppy, and buying a home together. They are so excited to embark on the next adventure; to become husband and wife, and continue to celebrate their life together.

Jake and Erika planned a trip to Denver, CO to meet up with some old college friends, Kelsey (bridesmaid) and Cody (groomsman) to explore a new city. Unbeknownst, to Erika, Jake was going to ask the big question on this trip. However, the secret was almost ruined in the TSA bag check line when Jake's bag was randomly searched; luckily Erika did not see the ring box. The trip was filled with good eats, a hike (the altitude was no joke), a trip to Red Rocks and many breweries. On their last night there, we ate dinner at a rooftop restaurant that overlooked the Denver skyline with mountains in the distance. At sunset, Jake brought Erika to the edge to take in the view and got down on one knee. There were cheers, some happy tears from Erika and an obvious "Yes!". Denver will always hold a special place in their hearts as the city that started this exciting new chapter as husband and wife.