Erika and Andrew graduated from DeSales University - marking this as one of the only photos they took together. Needless to say, marriage was NOT on the horizon.

FAST FORWARD to 2020. Andrew, now living in NYC decides to slide into the DMs of Erika, who was living in Philly. Gotta respect a man for shooting his shot long distance. But whatever he did - it worked! He came to Philly on a bus, where they met again after almost a decade, for their first date.

After the world shut down, Erika and Andrew moved back into their childhood homes, but didn't stop texting, calling, or FaceTiming one another. After a few months (after quarantining the appropriate amount of time) he was able to spend time down at her shore house where he asked her to be his girlfriend.

As their relationship grew, so did their experiences together. In September Erika took Andrew to his first Renaissance Faire. He was so excited he came in full costume, bought a sword, and drank too much. And to think - he never would have done those things if it weren't for his new nerdy girlfriend.

Andrew also introduced Erika to HIS friend group traditions: the Poconos! Erika's first trip was over halloween where she got to dress Andrew up as Wreck-it-Ralph. To this day, this remains one of the main reasons she wanted to date him.

In February of 2021, a little over a year after they reconnected, Andrew and Erika moved in together back in NYC. Erika was happy to have her best friend with her as she moved to a scary new city.

The world started to open up again - and Andrew was able to show Erika all the wonderful things about living in NYC.... including going to YANKEE GAMES!

Erika had an inkling that this was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. So she flew Andrew out to meet her family in Montana. Andrew had never been to Montana before, but you'd think he was destined to be there.

Andrew got a new job and was quickly promoted within months of starting. Erika couldn't be prouder.

Another year, another Renaissance Faire. It was around this time that Erika was starting to pester Andrew with "So, when do you think you'll want to propose to me?"

Another first: Erika took Andrew to Comic Con for the first time and got an autograph from one of their favorite Anime Dubb Voice actors!

Took a trip to Disney to witness a friend's wedding! One of Erika and Andrew's favorite things to do together is travel.

3 kings party where Erika's wish for the new year was that Andrew would ask her to marry him! =)

ENGAGEMENT DAY! Andrew had everything planned out, with the help of a few friends, to distract Erika all day with her favorite things, pop the question, then throw a surprise engagement party with all their close friends and family. The day started off with everyone getting their nails done (good man!). After which they went to an escape room (and finished in 30 minutes!). To kill some time Andrew took Erika to her favorite bookstore to shop for Manga, after which they drove up to Fort Tryon in the rain, where Andrew knelt down in a puddle and asked Erika to marry him. After going home to change (because he knelt in a puddle), Andrew surprised Erika with their friends and family who were all waiting at a local bar to celebrate the happy couple. This was, on record, the ONLY TIME Andrew has ever surprised Erika.