Erastus and Erin grew up just a few blocks away from each other in Las Vegas, but they didn’t actually meet until much later. Their moms were friends, but somehow their paths never crossed during their childhood.

When Erastus was seven, his family moved to Utah. They returned to Las Vegas in 2018, and Erin had heard about the cute new boy in town but hadn’t had the chance to meet him.

Their first real interaction happened in 2020 at a youth committee meeting. They exchanged instagrams and started talking. As the pandemic kept everyone at home, their conversations became a welcome distraction.

Their first date was at Cafe Zupas, a relaxed and simple outing that marked the beginning of their relationship. From there, they went on to enjoy senior year together going to homecoming, sadies, and prom. They spent a lot of time together, which made online school a bit more bearable.

A year after their first date, Erastus left for a mission in Boise, Idaho, and Erin soon followed with her mission in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. They stayed in touch through letters, and their bond remained strong despite the distance.

When they both returned home in August 2023, it was clear that their feelings had only grown stronger. They moved to Provo, Utah, to attend BYU and continue their journey together.

After two years of being apart, Erastus and Erin decided they didn’t want to be separated again. They’re excited to build their future together, knowing that their time apart has only made their relationship stronger.