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Junior High Crushes

Find Each Other 18 Years Later

While Erika was preparing to attend 5 different school buildings within 5 years within the Lakota Local School District, Chris was preparing to branch off to private school at Archbishop Moeller High School. Erika recalls Chris as the "hott jock" baseball player in his irresistible Riverbats uniform and attire. Erika and Chris did not have classes together, but Erika had friends in classes with Chris. Erika shyly hid from her crush, talking to her friends and exchanging stories. Chris recalls isolating and intentionally avoiding Erika due to a fear of an "Unger" on his roller hockey team being Erika's brother. That was enough to stay away!

Starting in the 8th Grade at Lakota Ridge Junior High School

Lips Were Sealed in Junior High School! 

Although, they both seemed to keep an eye out on each other's Facebooks and relationship status throughout the years.

Erika and Chris went through their years of, "livin' young and wild and free," around the same time when a Facebook Dating Message changed the scene and their lifestyles forever.

Livin' Young & Wild & Free! 

Fast Forward 18 Years

Erika had tried out multiple dating applications and websites experiencing fake pictures, fake profiles, nightmare dates, and horrid stories. Erika was on and off, giving it a try and then shutting it off and shutting down for months to years on end. One lonely night after working a Cincinnati Cyclones ice hockey game, Erika decided to give Facebook Dating a try. Erika received a message from Chris, "Is your last name Unger?" With concerns and fear of history, Erika set the message aside and continued pursuit of the man she had been messaging and pursuing. Thanks to the mutual friend's visibility and conversations, Erika's co-worker put a quick halt and shut down this pursuit, disclosing red flags everywhere. Erika decided to go back to Chris's message, "Is your last name Unger?" to do her research and investigation. Chris was a very handsome fella, checking-off all the boxes. Once Chris found out, yes, indeed, Unger was Erika's last name, and Chris disclosed the "Damon" last name, it was Game Over! Erika and Chris became vulnerable, disclosing their crushes and feelings for each other dating back to junior high school, catching up, sharing stories, and sharing interests in many hobbies. They were immediately attracted to each other! Erika made the move, asking Chris if he would like to attend a Cincinnati Cyclones ice hockey game, where she works as the Cincinnati Cyclones Ice Crew Manager. Chris attended, bringing one of his friends for support and sitting right next to Erika's friend. Erika visited Chris in the stands during intermissions, and by the end of the game, invited Chris and friends out to Holy Grail, where Erika had a player's promotional event. Erika and Chris linked up at Holy Grail. Chris being a gentleman kept a drink in Erika's hand at all times. After a fun night of conversating, connecting, and dancing ((and way too many Dirty Shirley's)), Chris walked Erika and all the girls to their car to ensure safety. As they approached the vehicle, Erika asked Chris, "Are you going to ask for my number? So we can get off Facebook Dating!" At the time they didn't know, but Chris made the mistake of giving Erika his phone to type in her phone number after too many Dirty Shirley's. Erika proceeded to type in what she thought was her phone number. Chris called the phone number upon making it home safely, only to discover Erika had gave Chris his Dentist's phone number. Erika silently wondered why messages continued to be exchanged through the Facebook Dating application until falling asleep. The next day hours of silence passed by. Erika began to wonder why there were zero calls or texts on her cell phone from Chris. Finally, Erika broke the silence, reaching out to Chris, only to discover she had given Chris the wrong phone number, not even remotely close to her cell phone number, but Erika actually gave Chris his own Dentist's phone number. At this time, Erika was brought to many realizations as to the silence and disconnects of the past years for over a decade. Don't give Erika a phone while Tipsy! Chris was able to overlook this mistake and continue his pursuit. Erika and Chris exchanged phone numbers and got off of Facebook Dating.

This was in the Year 2020. Chris continued to attend Cincinnati Cyclones ice hockey games. Erika and Chris's first date was at Top Golf - Erika Won! - and first kiss was at Blondie's Sports Bar &amp; Grill! Erika and Chris continued dating and late nights out until this quickly came to an abrupt end, due to the mandatory COVID-19 quarantines and shutdowns. Chris actually made it official, asking Erika to be his girlfriend over Erika's favorite drink, a Dirty Shirley, at Jefferson Social on the Banks on March 15, 2020, the last night out before COVID-19 quarantines and shutdowns were strictly in place and enforced. But this didn't stop them from seeing each other and spending time together! Erika and Chris survived the weirdest and craziest of times, Thriving Together!

And The Rest Was History!

The Proposal & Engagement 

Chris proposed to Erika on July 30, 2021, down at Norris Lake for her Birthday Celebration with close friends and family by posting up on the jumping bridge with a bright neon pink banner asking Erika to marry him. Erika said, "YES!," with hesitation, signaling Chris a thumbs in the middle, slowly turned upward to a thumbs up, keeping him on his toes. Chris jumped off the bridge, like a superhero, using the banner as a cape, and swam over to the back of the boat, where Erika demanded Chris to get on one knee, and Erika nervously offered the wrong hand, her right hand, quickly changed to left hand ring finger. What a Beautiful Ring! Let the Celebrations Begin, as Erika and Chris enjoyed their extended engagement and overcame numerous challenges, barriers, and adversities in the name of Love!

And Here We Are Today - Happily Ever After! 

Our Story

Photos

Megan Amlung

Sarah Clark 

Abby McAtee

Whitney Swinerton

Mike Benza

Jeff Damon

Matt Damon 

Alex Mosley

Harper Baldini

Noah Damon 

Declan Damon

Matt Fisher 

Wedding Party

Near Fitton Center For Creative ArtsStay in one of 120 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.With a stay at Courtyard by Ma

Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton

Travel

The Damon's Future Fund 

While there is no registry, your presence and well wishes are the greatest gift.&nbsp;If you wish to contribute to The Damon’s Future Fund, monetary gifts are warmly welcomed.&nbsp;Handmade gifts are also appreciated as a personal touch from the heart. In Place of Registry: The Damon’s Future Fund Building Our Happily Ever After: House, Kids, Family! Dreams Really Do Come True! As Erika and Chris embark on married life, they feel very lucky and blessed to have everything they need to stock a home.&nbsp;Erika and Chris have outgrown their apartment and are ready to upgrade to a house to meet their next milestone. In lieu of a traditional registry, Erika and Chris have decided to create “The Damon's Future Fund."&nbsp;This fund will go towards their dream house, preparing for the future addition of little ones, supporting their family planning journey, and building a solid foundation for their future.&nbsp;Your generous contribution to The Damon's Future Fund will not only help them create a warm and loving home but will also be a cherished investment in their shared dreams and aspirations.

*Registry*

Q + A

Registry

Erika & Chris

Erika & Chris

Wedding Party