Without an intricate series of events spanning across nine years, these two never would have met.

It's 2009. A musical festival called Rothbury is happening in Rothbury, Michigan. Eric and some friends caravan to the festival and find themselves in the midst of a gigantic line to get in. They somehow get placed behind a group of people from Austin, TX and camp right next to them. Throughout the weekend, those strangers became good, good friends. They vowed to stayed connected, and did just that.

Through the original group, Eric and his Michigander friends get introduced to Eric's good friends, Dillon Kern and Conor McCullough.

Fast forward to 2016. Emily is at the annual Suwannee Hulaween music festival in Suwannee, FL -and randomly meets Dillon and his girlfriend, Allyson, and they hit it off.

Two years later, both Eric and Emily buy tickets to Summercamp Music Festival in Chillicothe, IL. Knowing that Dillon and Allyson were going, Emily decided she'd camp with them. Eric was rolling in solo, and also had plans to share the same campsite.

Boom. The two meet, and become inseparable that weekend. On his way home, Eric called his mom and said, "I'm pretty sure I just met my soulmate." She could tell by the sound in his voice that he wasn't lying.

Throughout the next three and a half years, the two built their love long distance; traveling back and forth between Michigan and Texas and everywhere in between.

Finally, in August 2021 they got a house together in Ann Arbor, MI and finally closed the distance. They live there to this day with each other, Eric's daughters Sophie and Evelyn, and their cat Lulu (Oonie).

In August of 2023 Eric proposed, and (thank the lord), Emily said yes.

We are both beyond excited to continue to grow and nurture our love together, and to share in the celebration of this love with y'all.

Welcome Party

Where: Zony Mash Beer Project

3940 Thalia Street New Orleans, LA 70125

When: 4-6PM

What to expect: A casual early evening to mingle accompanied by some of our favorite Cajun foods.

Hint hint: we will have one of the best NOLA crawfish boil companies in tow and we will be celebrating big! Come hungry.

Rides/Parking: Parking is available, but rideshares (Uber, Lyft) suggested.