Eric and Alissa first met in 2015 at The Nau-Ti-Gal Restaurant in Madison. Eric had already worked there for a few years and Alissa had just started working there as a hostess. At first, Alissa was intimidated by Eric as he was loud/extroverted where she was very quiet and shy. Even though they worked together, their paths rarely crossed during those first 2 years.

In the summer of 2017, Eric started to make a point to talk to Alissa at work and they soon began dating on July 18th. A month later, they were forced to face the challenges of a long-distance relationship as Eric stayed in Madison while Alissa went back to school at UW-Eau Claire.

They continued to date long distance for 3 years. During that time Eric would make the drive up to Eau Claire one or two times a month while Alissa continued her studies. Eric became a CNA during this time and Alissa graduated with her undergraduate degree at UW-Eau Claire.

Thankfully, Alissa was accepted to graduate school at Eau Claire, so Eric moved to be closer to her in August of 2020. He started nursing school that fall as well!

In the summer of 2022, Eric and Alissa went on a trip for their 5th anniversary to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Eric had a ring and planned to propose on that trip. Alissa knew he had a ring, but he had convinced her that he did not bring it on this trip. On July 20th, Eric proposed to Alissa on a suspension bridge while they were hiking the O Kun de Kun Falls trail. It was just the two of them, the waterfall, and a little bit of rain!

Now they are on year six of being together and they cannot wait to celebrate their upcoming marriage with all of you!