Christian and Ericka met on Christian Mingle and yes we are both Christians :) HA- yes, Ericka heard many jokes from her friends about that ("Really Ericka, you met Christian, who is a Christian on Christian Mingle???!! :))

Since we live about 75 miles away from each other, our first dates were longer than normal. By the end of our second seven hour date, we knew that God was answering our prayers by bringing us together for a lifetime. It truly is an amazing experience when you know deep in your heart, that you have met your future spouse.

We began dreaming of what was to come with much joy and excitement. We met each others families a few months in, and both sides seemed excited for our future. We also have a lot in common, we both love to workout, hike, eat healthy and are driven by our faith. God knew what He was doing when He brought us together...IT IS NEVER TOO LATE for His purpose to be fulfilled in our lives!

Ericka is focusing on her non-profit, stepping into His image, and Christian just transitioned into a new job similar to ones he had in the past, in Real Estate development, at Tait and Associates. He is commuting to Santa Ana until we make our home in Long Beach, Ca after marriage.

Christian's 13 year old son Daniel is getting used to the idea of our marriage, and gets along well with Ericka.

Our proposal story goes like this:

Christian asked Ericka's Dad Pat, for Ericka's hand in marriage two days before Thanksgiving. Dad was overjoyed! We had our normal Thanksgiving dinner at Ericka's brother/sister-in-law's home in Corona. It was a very warm Thanksgiving day in Cali, so Danielle set up a pretty Thanksgiving table outside on their patio, with a beautiful view. Dad knew what was coming and was texting Christian during the day with encouraging words and excitement.

Each year we share with every family member, the reasons we are grateful for them. Mom went first and affirmed each person. Then she passed the baton to Christian, who was sitting next to Ericka. He thanked/encouraged each person at the table, and when it came to Ericka, he expressed his deep gratitude for her with very loving thoughts. Next, he read a verse from the Bible that talks about God keeping His promises, and said "And with that, I wanted to ask if you would marry me!" Before Ericka knew it, he was on one knee, while her family watched, cried and expressed great joy! Ericka hugged Christian before she officially said "Yes!"-she was so taken back by the once in a lifetime moment! OF COURSE SHE SAID YES! Ericka stared at the ring for the next 20 minutes :), took pictures, and was completely beside herself! This special moment was celebrated by a wonderful toast by Dad. None of us will soon forget Thanksgiving anytime soon!