Spotted: A red BMW pulling into a mall parking garage, a dashing photographer stepping out, and a slightly skeptical model waiting to see if this shoot was worth her time. That’s right, the day Erica and Erick met was already destined to be iconic.

The backstory? Erick had been hanging out with a mutual friend (who just so happened to work with Erica at In-N-Out) when he first saw her on shift. Word has it, Erick called dibs then and there. Fast forward a few weeks, and suddenly, he’s conveniently the photographer for a photoshoot Erica’s modeling in. Coincidence? We think not.

When Erick walked up and said, “You’re Erica, right?” she was caught off guard. Was it his confidence? His style? Or the fact that he wasn’t at all the person she imagined? Whatever it was, the spark was undeniable.

But don’t get too comfortable, party people, because the first date drama was just beginning. Erick drove all the way from Lake Elsinore to Orange County, ready to impress, only to realize…he forgot his wallet. Yes, you read that right. Flustered and panicked, he wanted to drive all the way back to get it, but Erica graciously helped save the day. Crisis averted.

Then there was the Ortega Highway situation. Erick said, “Let’s hang out,” and Erica assumed, What’s the plan? Probably a lookout spot. Classic. But as the car kept going, and they passed all the obvious spots, Erica’s curiosity grew. Turns out, Erick had Laguna Beach in mind all along. Smooth move, right? Except…just as they arrived, Erica hit him with, “Oh, by the way, I have a curfew.” Cue Erick’s look of Are you serious right now?

Nine years later, these two are still writing their story, filled with unexpected adventures, two beloved cats, a small food business, and plenty of laughs. Through all the ups and downs, they’ve stayed each other’s best friend, proving that sometimes the most chaotic starts lead to the most beautiful stories.

You know you love them,

E&E

-XOXO Gossip Girl