Erik and Amanda met on a blind date in 2016. Unbeknownst in the moment, fate would determine this to be the final first date for both. It was a date that would bloom into an effortless, loving, supportive partnership that has the potential to transcend time. Erik and Amanda have been inseparable since that evening.

Though originally not living in the same city upon meeting, the two would spend countless hours each weekend editing papers Erik was writing as he finished school in Bozeman. This project was an opportune time for the two to bond cohesively when they could not be together in person.

Not long after finishing school and being together in the same city, Erik and Amanda soon began planning hiking, camping, and most importantly- fishing trips. There have, and will continue to be, days of enjoying Erik's favorite pastime, fishing. These weekend escapades continued to solidify the love and growing bond for these two individuals.

As fate would have it, directly before COVID, Erik and Amanda took on a new endeavor and decided to build a house. This was a busy, stressful, challenging, fun, exciting, and test of strength time for the couple. However, a wonderful support system of family and friends continued to prove that this love was meant to be.

Erik and Amanda then added Sven to their family. He's the best four-legged Aussiedoodle around. In feeling his abandonment on long work days, they added Juni to the mix so Sven would have a playmate. She is their cuddle bug, despite her Goldendoodle idiosyncrasies.

As time would dictate, it was inevitable that two people who have worked to build a life together should be fit to become engaged. On December 25 of this past year, Erik made the leap and finally asked Amanda to become his bride. The culmination of the years made this an easy decision for the couple. From the time they met, there has always been a deep respect for one another, a humble understanding of the other's perspective, a supportive foundation constantly being built, and a fun-loving partnership.