Cole and Erika met in October of their junior year of high school. At first, they were simply strangers with mutual friends, but little did they know they would soon become so much more. Early that school year, they often found themselves at the same sporting events, supporting the same groups of friends. From across the field, they would catch each other’s eye—just a glance, but one that left a lasting impression on them both.

Because of their busy schedules, Cole and Erika didn’t see much of each other again until February 2020, when they realized their birthdays were only ten days apart. They exchanged a simple “Happy Birthday” and went on with their lives. As spring arrived, Erika decided she was done waiting for Cole to make the first move—she would make it herself. Unfortunately, Cole and his family were grieving the devastating loss of his Nana, so Erika gave them time and space to heal.

By May, the timing was finally right. The pandemic had just put their junior and senior years on pause, but amidst all the uncertainty, Cole and Erika reconnected. They went on drive-thru dates and spent hours getting to know one another on a deeper level. On May 29, 2020, Cole officially asked Erika to be his girlfriend. Over the next year, they navigated the challenges of finishing high school during a global pandemic while also learning how to grow in their new relationship at different schools.

During their senior year, they spent countless hours doing online school in each other’s basements, supporting one another through the hardships of that unusual time. When it came time for college, Cole chose Gonzaga University and Erika chose Eastern Washington University, so they could remain close. They worked hard all summer to save money and spent every free moment together before starting this new chapter.

College life brought new experiences but also familiar challenges, as they once again attended different schools. They celebrated each other’s wins, leaned on one another during setbacks, and embraced every adventure together. After Erika moved to Cheney with roommates, they continued to balance their separate lives while building shared memories—late nights, frat parties, and plenty of DoorDash orders. Soon, they began making plans to move in together the following year.

When Erika’s lease ended, they moved into a house in Spokane with friends, but family close by. Before even fully settling in, they decided it was the perfect time to get their first dog together, Winnie. Living together for the first time while raising a puppy could have been overwhelming, but Cole and Erika made it look effortless.

Eventually, they realized they were happiest living with just each other. After that lease ended, they moved into Cole’s grandfather’s house with Cole’s brother, Micah. The three of them shared meals, learned new recipes, worked hard to pay bills, and spent time enjoying their little family with Winnie. Then, just before Christmas, Cole surprised Erika with the question of a lifetime. On December 22, 2024, he proposed.

After getting engaged, Cole and Erika began the next exciting chapter of their life together — moving into their own home in Liberty Lake with Winnie. They love their little space and are already dreaming of what’s next.

Now, with their wedding day ahead of them, Cole and Erika are preparing for the future they’ve been dreaming of since they were teenagers. Cole works as a mechanical engineer for the Department of War, while Erika is set to graduate in June 2026 from Eastern Washington University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.

They couldn’t be more excited to start this next chapter together—just as they dreamed back when they were 17.