Daniel and Erin met on October 24, 2015, in San Luis Obispo, California. Erin was hanging out with her Cal Poly friends and they asked if she wanted to attend a Halloween party they had been invited to. The party was hosted by Daniel’s sister, Rachel, who Erin had shared a dorm with the year before. Although it was last minute, she threw together a costume and her life changed forever.

Once she got there, Erin noticed a pretty handsome guy across the room. “Who’s that?” she asked her friends. No one knew! Curious and semi-brave, Erin walked straight up to Daniel and told him, “You’re pretty cute!” She immediately got too embarrassed and quickly scurried away, regrouping with her friends. Shortly after, Daniel approached Erin eagerly and said “You can’t leave me like that!” They talked about school and what they liked to do. The connection they made felt natural, as if their meeting was destined by fate. As Erin walked out of the party, she received a message on Facebook, which she screenshotted in excitement.

Just like the song goes: “Ever since that night they've been together. Lovers at first sight, in love forever.”

After a few months of dating, Erin and Daniel both flew to meet each other’s families over winter break in December 2015. Daniel flew to San Francisco where he first got to know Erin’s parents, Stew and Lesley. He was so taken with their sense of humor and warmness, instantly feeling like he fit right in. On that trip, Erin and Daniel walked across the Golden Gate Bridge. Although it wasn’t said out loud, they both remember falling in love on the bridge that day.

Erin went to LA to visit Daniel and his parents, Meredith and Scott, for New Years. She was treated to their unmatched hospitality. She quickly felt right at home. Daniel and Erin went to Disneyland to celebrate New Year’s Eve. When the clock struck midnight, fireworks flew and Daniel told Erin that he loved her for the very first time.

Daniel graduated in 2017 and landed a job in LA. He would visit Erin at Cal Poly most weekends until she graduated in 2018. After college, they were long distance so that Erin could live at home with her mom, who was fighting multiple myeloma. Erin and Daniel loved visiting each other 1-2 times a month. They spent those weekends together going to the movies, the beach, and just enjoying each other’s company. Long distance was worth it knowing that they would eventually be living together.

Erin’s wonderful mother, Lesley Simpson, passed away in April 2020. Erin couldn’t have made it through that time without Daniel by her side. Knowing that she needed him then more than ever, Daniel made plans to move to the Bay Area. Daniel received his teaching credential that year, inspired by Lesley who was an amazing teacher. He landed a job at Design Tech in Redwood Shores, where he currently teaches algebra. Erin and Daniel moved into an apartment in Redwood City together in April 2021. They love the life they’ve built together.

Fast forward to July 2024, the Simpson family set a date for a family vacation to Kauai. Daniel planned a stunning boat ride to view the Nāpali Coast during the trip. On the boat, the captain announced that guests should go to the front deck to see the Cathedrals, a magnificent cliff face along the coast of Kauai. Daniel took Erin’s hand and asked if she wanted to take a picture. Their song “More Than Words” by Xtreme started playing when Daniel got on one knee and asked Erin the big question, “Will you marry me?” It was the easiest yes in the world! In addition to all the Simpson family being there, The McGowans— Scott, Meredith, and Rachel— were on the dock waiting to celebrate. It was the best vacation that marked the beginning of the next chapter of their love story.

Their story continues on September 6th, 2025 in California’s Central Coast where they first met almost 10 years ago.

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We are so excited to have you all join us to celebrate our love and marriage! Love you all dearly, Erin & Daniel