Eric and Rachel met how most modern couples meet: on the world of dating apps. For Eric, he had just re-downloaded Bumble after a multi year hiatus. For Rachel, ever persistent, she had been on the dating apps for 10 years actively looking for her prince charming. They went on their first date at a diner in Evanston, IL in mid- September. Afterwards they got Gelato at a nearby gelato shop. Eric likes to tell the story about how on the walk back to their cars, they accidentally passed up the street by two blocks because the conversation was so good. Eric liked how up front Rachel was about what she wanted out of a relationship and life. Rachel liked how kind and genuine Eric was.

They had only gone on a few dates when Eric asked Rachel to be his girlfriend and she said yes.

In February, when Rachel's dog, Bella, suffered a back injury, Eric volunteered to move in for a month to help with her recovery, even though it drastically increased his commute time to work. Living with Rachel was so natural and comfortably that Eric decided to stay.

As time went on the topic of marriage started to come up.

On April 20th, Eric asked Rachel if she would marry him and she ecstatically agreed. He had secretly planned a whole weekend for them with family and close friends that Rachel loved.

In July they moved to Wrigleyville and are enjoying engaged life in their new apartment!