Mel and Eric met in St Louis during 2016, reconnected in Ohio during 2017, began dating in Boston during 2018, and became engaged in Vancouver during 2022, but the stars started aligning for them many years before. Ultimately brought together by connections made through hockey, a star moved when Dave Barger bought his first hockey stick for 59 cents in the 1960s. A star moved when the Jue family emigrated to Canada in the 1980s. A star moved when Cody Frazier took a twenty three-hour Megabus ride from St. Louis to Pittsburgh, reducing the degree of separation between Eric and Melanie to one.

That’s not to say they came together due to luck; the majority of their six years together was spent long distance, but they were both willing to put in the work. Together, they managed continental time zones, international borders, and global pandemics as they proved their commitment to each other again and again. During the period of travel restrictions due to COVID, they were separated for eleven months. That challenge, however, would prove to be a mere bump in the road compared to what followed: a two-week quarantine in a 900 square foot apartment with nobody but each other. When they returned to the real world, still enjoying each other’s company, Mel and Eric knew they had something special.

Over time, Mel’s love for adventure rubbed off on Eric, who was always willing to try something new. Whether it’s halfway down a double black diamond on the side of Whistler, stranded on the side of a rock in Kelowna, or in the middle of the French speaking section of Montreal, Eric’s easygoing nature and love for a laugh allowed him to successfully navigate each situation in which Mel leaves him. Plus, everyone knows the saying: couples that travel, hike, climb, snowboard, golf, play hockey, coach, and reconcile general ledger accounts together stay together.

Now, they’re ready to start their next adventure together – marriage. They’re excited to explore new places, try new things, and make each other laugh for many years to come.