In February 2021, we met on the dating app Coffee Meets Bagel. Erica was drawn to Andrew's sense of humor and sweet smile; Andrew thought Erica was beautiful, kind and caring. Numerous text exchanges turned into many phone calls over the course of two months. Even after feeling tired on days where we worked long hours, we’d still look forward to 3-4 hour long phone conversations with each other, multiple times a week. From the very beginning, it felt like we’d never run out of things to talk about. By the time we met in person two months later on April 24, we already knew each other pretty well, including our values (notably our close relationships with family and friends) and shared interests (movies, traveling and food, to name a few). Andrew planned out what he hoped would be the perfect date, starting with lattes at a cute flower shop café, followed by a picnic he prepared in Central Park, complete with a charcuterie board and a newly purchased picnic blanket! We were so excited to finally be together in person. Everything felt very familiar and natural with a genuine ease and closeness unlike the feeling of any other first date. It felt like reuniting with a close friend after years apart. After all this time, we had finally found our respective person… and we’ve been pretty much inseparable ever since!

Erica had plans to meet up with her friend Henna for dinner after work on a Thursday night at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. On the path to the restaurant, close to the location of our first date, Andrew was set up with an illuminated "Marry Me" sign, complete with scattered rose petals and candles. The rest felt like a blur - Andrew got down on one knee and asked Erica to marry him. Erica said yes and while we soaked everything in, we had a few helpers capture the moment: Erica's friend Henna, Andrew's brother Eric and sister-in-law Alexis, and even a friendly tourist with a professional camera (thank you, Ricky!). It's his photo that is leading our website today. We are so grateful that they were all there to be part of this special moment. After Andrew popped the question, we went to Tavern on the Green where we were greeted with a dozen roses and champagne at our table with the best seats in the house! It was a perfect montage that felt like scenes out of a romantic comedy. What a dream come true! We can't wait to continue our love story by sharing our special day with you.