Eric and Haley’s journey began in 2012 as high school friends at Heritage. Over their four years together, they shared countless classes—often disrupting lessons with laughter and arguing over who should take on the easier parts of group projects. Between spontaneous trips for Speedy Freezes and hunting each other down with water guns for senior mafia, Haley developed a crush that she kept to herself for quite some time.

After graduation, they lost touch but serendipitously reunited a year later at the local community college. It was there, in the middle of the fine arts building, that Eric convinced Haley to drive them to the nearest McDonald’s for lunch and a much needed catch up session. From that day forward, Eric became a regular fixture in Haley’s friend group, and the two continued to grow closer.

In 2019, during a Central Michigan University homecoming tailgate, Haley mustered the courage to ask, “Are you going to kiss me or not?” That moment marked the beginning of their next chapter together.

Five years later, in the living room of the home they had purchased together, Eric got down on one knee and proposed with the emerald ring Haley had always dreamed of. Now, they look forward with great excitement to standing before their loved ones, exchanging vows, and beginning their life as husband and wife.