Amanda and Eric first met on October 26, 2019, at the homecoming tailgate at Northern Illinois University. The two went their separate ways - until meeting at a Halloween party the following weekend. At the end of the night, Eric questioned, “when will I see you next?”, to which Amanda laughingly replied, “In your dreams, if you're lucky. Eric responded “...I make my own luck.”


The two continued texting for a few days until Eric officially asked Amanda to go on a date. They enjoyed a nice evening of drinking margaritas and eating plenty of chips and salsa. To no surprise, Amanda’s friends were discovered to be sitting at a nearby table eavesdropping. The following weeks consisted of Amanda studying at the library, where Eric would usually be found nearby, pretending he had work to do. The two met each other's families for the first time over Christmas break, and shortly after, spring semester rolled around - their last semester at NIU before Eric went off to law school.


As fate would have it, their remaining time at NIU was not to be. The pandemic sent them both home - and much further than a few houses apart on Greek Row. Before long, Eric graduated and the two spent the summer enjoying picnics, walks and countless beach days.


Summer came and went. Amanda moved back college and Eric started his first semester of law school at DePaul. On weekends, Eric continued visiting Amanda (also at the NIU library). Their relationship continued over the next few years and saw Amanda graduate from nursing school, Eric graduate from law school, a move to Park Ridge and the beginning of Eric's legal career.


Throughout the years, the two enjoyed countless strolls, time with family and friends, exploring new towns and restaurants, learning to cook together, Hayward family vacations and a few Florida trips. In September of 2024, Amanda and Eric were lucky enough to purchase their first home together.


Shortly thereafter, on October 26, 2024, exactly five years from the day the two met, at one of the couple’s favorite places - Marco Island, Florida - while Amanda watched the sunset, Eric got down on one knee and asked Amanda to spend the rest of her life with him.


Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter and creating more beautiful memories together! 

Eric coordinated a local photographer from Marco Island to capture the big moment!