It hadn't even been 24 hours after the ball dropped ending 2022 - that they realized 2023's story would be a little different. The New Year was here and as we all typically think "A New Year a New Me" Little did they know it would turn out to be "A New Year, and a New We"

After a couple weeks of getting to know each other in this new world of online dating they decided to meet. When the day to meet came around, little did each other know they had both almost backed out. She was invited to do something with her friends and he was dealing with a water pipe that had burst at home. The online dating game hadn't really been yielding successful connections for either of them so far, so blowing off a first date with another stranger wasn't so far fetched. However, something inside them felt like this one might be different. You could call it luck, you could call it fate, but in the end these two strangers decided to show up as planned. It didn't take long after sharing stories and a few rolls of sushi - that these strangers had felt like they'd known and had waited for each other their entire lives.

A quick lunch date seamlessly ended up becoming a whole day affair, including food, drinks, laughs, and playing some pool at a local favorite spot (Erica even let Tom win a game). The hours flew by as they got to know each other having fun into the late hours. They connected over their commitment to friends and family, love for travel and a shared passion for adventure. To Tom’s delight, Erica obliged to see him again, and again, and again - Soon what was once two strangers blossomed into a fresh, exciting relationship. Soon the couple became inseparable and within a few weeks, it was evident to not only them, but also to their friends and family, that they had met their forever person.

After just a couple of months of dating and adventure - Tom jumped at a chance to join on a last-minute getaway to Florida, where they met each other’s respective parents for the first time (who have homes surprisingly close to one another!). Their happiness and love for one another was written all over their faces and quickly became apparent to all those around them. They knew they were meant not only for each other, but also to be a part of each other’s families.

During another trip away together to Portland, Maine, the two of them enjoyed each other’s company with dinners in the city, checking out local sights, and a spa day for two. While browsing the shops in old Portland, they thought they could kill some time and check out some jewelry shops (just for fun). What started out as “just for fun” ended up becoming something more. One of the jewelers they had found soon became the obvious choice that Tom would use to secretly design the perfect engagement ring.

By June, they had officially moved in together and with pup Pablo, they became a family. They were already planning their next adventure, where Tom would join for his first annual trip with the Webers to the Oregon coast in July. Amidst their first week of beach days, ice cream, and the Rockaway Beach July 4th festivities (complete with parade, Wiener dog races and fireworks), Tom executed the perfect surprise. With the Pacific ocean as a backdrop and the ring forged on the coast of the Atlantic, he got down on one knee. After an emphatic yes, they celebrated their engagement night with a family dinner on the water and a few rounds of pool at a local bar on the Oregon coast.

Fast forward and here they are! Boundless love from coast to coast, the two of them cannot wait to share their lives together. Tom and Erica look forward to saying their “I Dos” before all of you at sea in the Caribbean in February 2025!

Gifts