This love story started in May 2014 at a bar in Fed Hill. Their paths had crossed many times throughout college at UMBC (2006-2010) while Erika played lacrosse and Mike played rugby. Little did they know that they would be downtown Baltimore cheering on the Orioles in a double header at the same bar in 2014. They spent all night laughing and enjoying each other while watching one of their favorite sports teams. Several dates later, it would only be fitting for Mike and Erika to officially start their relationship at an Orioles game.

Fast forward 8 months, Mike would move to Pasadena with Erika. They would learn to juggle their schedules, plan time to watch their favorite sports teams (Ravens and Orioles), and learn which chores they liked and disliked. A few months later they adopted a dog from a local Baltimore shelter, BARCS. This was their second dog but first dog together, Finnegan. They continued to build their life and little family together while juggling the schedule of a police officer and nurse.

In May 2016, Mike secretly got Erika off work on a Saturday and took her to Manor Hill Brewery in Clarksville, Md. Mike had planned a proposal with a beautiful scenic background on the owners farm. He quickly took Erika outside to the back of the brewery to propose. He was short on time since he had planned for their closest friends to meet them at the brewery and would be there any time. In a rush, Mike tried to get the box out of his back pocket causing the ring to fall out onto the ground. The ring is okay don't worry! Obviously, Erika was thrilled and said yes! As they went back into the brewery to have a few of their delicious craft beers, their friends surprised her. Little did she know he had another surprise planned for her, dinner reservations in Annapolis with her parents waiting to surprise her at the bar. Needless to say it was a pretty awesome day!

This is obviously a very brief story of our last two and a half years together. Right now we are enjoying being engaged and planning our August 2017 wedding together. We can't wait to see you all there!