Eric and Laura fist met virtually when Laura correctly recognized a trumpet mouthpiece in a picture on Eric's Hinge dating profile. Having been thoroughly impressed with her musical brilliance (and an adorable picture of her with dog Barkley), Eric immediately matched with Laura. After much texting and flirting, Eric asked Laura out for drinks at Heist Brewery in Charlotte. They closed down the bar on November 7, 2022, and they've been partners in adventure ever since!

While visiting Laura's parents in Austin over spring break, Eric knew the timing would never be better to pop the question. Eric told Laura they would go out for a day of wine tasting in the stunning hill country. After the first winery, relaxed and refreshed, Laura had no idea the second stop would be the most memorable moment of her life thus far. Chapel Dulcinea (not actually a winery) was the perfect location. As they walked up to the front of the Chapel, their song "What a Wonderful World" started playing softly and Eric pulled Laura in close to dance. As the song concluded, Eric knelt down, revealing a Tiffany blue box (how could she refuse?) and gave a heart-warming proposal. Without hesitation, Laura said "YES!" The next surprise was that her family was eagerly waiting at the last winery stop to celebrate the big news! Driving home after a memorable evening, the couple saw a bright shooting star flash across the sky... clearly a positive sign for great things to come!