Eric and Itzel first met back in August 2016 in Melbourne, FL where Itzel was taking extracurricular EMS courses and studying for her Bachelor of Science, while Eric worked as a full-time firefighter paramedic for Brevard County Fire Rescue. They were friends at first and only casually interacted with each other, but fun fact #1 - unbeknown to Itzel at the time - Eric had actually told a mutual friend way back then that "she's marriage material."

They never imagined their lives would intertwine the way it did, but on February 4, 2017, they had their first date at The Mansion for lunch, and instantly connected with their shared love for medicine, travel, and Game of Thrones. (However, fun fact #2 - Itzel actually called her friend right before the date while hiding in the bushes, and actually thought about CANCELLING the date because she was extremely nervous).

To this day, Itzel is SO HAPPY she did not cancel because that first date set in motion a series of events that changed both of their lives forever, as little did either of them know that February 4, 2017 would actually be their last, first date.

The first several years of Eric and Itzel's lives together were spent building and supporting each other while they each individually, but collectively, worked towards the life they envisioned for themselves and each other. Their relationship is a long and steady relationship, and though not without its own trials and tribulations (just like any other relationship), Eric and Itzel always knew they were meant for each other, and after 7 short years, Eric proposed in the most romantic way possible, overlooking the beautiful city of Florence, Italy, and Itzel said yes to forever with her best friend ❤️

I&E