Like many love stories, Erik and Sarah's story starts in the living room of a place called "Trombone Haus". That night, Sarah finally got up the nerve to talk to that cute drummer/barista that she had been eyeing at Prairie Fire Cafe in Union South. Erik managed to not fumble on his words too badly, and was eventually able to secure her number, and eventually a first date, for some reason at the Thai restaurant "Sa-Bai Thong".

In the first two years of their relationship, both Erik and Sarah were members of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band under Dr. Michael Leckrone. Erik was on the drumline, and Sarah was in the saxophone section. The shared experience of those two years helped form the foundation of their relationship, and that foundation still strengthens their relationship on regular trips back to Madison for Badger games and Wisconsin Band alumni events. Both Erik and Sarah are blessed to have met many incredible friends in those years, many that they will always count as their closest friends.

Sarah graduated the University of Wisconsin-Madison with Bachelors of Science degrees in Zoology and Environmental Studies and a certificate in Classical Studies. Sarah currently works as an aquarist in the fishes department at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Erik graduated the University of Wisconsin-Madison with Bachelors, and Masters, of Science degrees in Biomedical engineering, as well as a certificate in Computer Science. He currently works as a Software Engineer with the PGA of America.

Erik required a couple extra years to complete his degrees after Sarah graduated. During that time they maintained a somewhat long distance relationship with Sarah in Chicago and Erik still in Madison. While distance can always be difficult, the two both made the best of it, with regular visits to each other. In 2021 during the Covid pandemic, Erik was able to move down to Chicago and be closer to Sarah. They have both lived in Chicago ever since.

Erik and Sarah currently live in Chicago and are the parents to Grace, a rescue Pitbull/German Shephard/Husky mix. In Chicago, Erik and Sarah like to spend time with friends in their book club, as well as at Trivia at "Will's Northwoods Inn" with a group of friends that they have met through the gym that they attend. They also have a successful DnD campaign, where it should be no surprise that Sarah's character is a giant axe wielding Goliath Barbarian. Additionally, the two attend First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where Erik was confirmed earlier this year.