Believe it or not, we met on Hinge—proving that sometimes, love really is just a swipe away! Before we even met in person, we spent a month talking for hours on the phone, building a connection that felt effortless and meant to be. Of course, our first date didn’t happen without a few obstacles (including Erika battling COVID for two weeks!), but when we finally met, David made sure it was unforgettable—taking Erika to one of San Diego’s finest restaurants, Mr. A’s, with a breathtaking view of the downtown skyline. It was an epic night that set the tone for everything to come.

From the very beginning, David showed his heart—on our second date, he insisted on helping Erika put furniture together as she decorated her new apartment while starting a new chapter in life (yes, he’s that kind of guy!). And from there, our adventure truly began.

We quickly became travel companions, including a Road trip thru Oregon and Washington, Las Vegas, (One of our absolute favorite spots to visit is Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas, where we share our love for German food, good beer, and the lively atmosphere—it’s become a must-visit on every trip!)

Then our unforgettable trip to Boston (where we celebrated our birthdays and made Erika’s dream come true by seeing Andrea Bocelli live!), and even a mission trip to Mexico, where we built homes and served others—an experience that deepened our shared love for faith and giving back.

Beyond our travels, one of the most special parts of our journey has been our Sunday dates at The Rock Church. These Sundays have become a cherished tradition—worshipping together, growing in our faith, and finding strength in God’s plan for us. It’s a time that continuously brings us closer and reminds us of the foundation of our love.

We found joy in life’s little things—spending beach days together, walking along the shore, listening to the waves, and returning home to grill out! We fell in love over date nights at San Diego’s Candlelight string quartets, our shared love for Vivaldi, salsa dancing, and amazing food. (We both love to cook!) And of course, there’s our little angel, Ember, our sweet cat who quickly became David’s best buddy.

Looking back, we can’t help but laugh at some of our earliest moments—like when David thought Erika was dodging his date requests by using “I have COVID” as an excuse. Or the unforgettable night when, instead of offering him a glass of water, Erika handed him an entire gallon jug (he still won’t let her live that one down!).

Then came the most magical moment of all—David’s proposal. At our favorite beach spot, right by Tower 36 at Carlsbad Beach, he got down on one knee, with the waves crashing behind us, and asked Erika to spend forever together. It was the easiest "Yes!" ever.

Through every adventure, every challenge, and every joy, we have built something truly special. We fought hard to get here, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the love we share.

We can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you!