Erica and Ryan’s love story began in 2008. Ryan was a sophomore in high school and Erica was a freshman. At the time, they were at different high schools. They were in a youth organization together and he was Erica’s chapter’s beau. One year later in 2009, Ryan messaged Erica on Facebook when he found out she was planning to transfer to his high school the following year. His message read “Heyyyyyyyy!!!!! Why are you coming to Riverwood?? IM SO EXCITED” He’ll admit it now... but he always had a little bit of a crush on Erica. Fast forward to March of 2016 when Erica was accepted Columbia University for her masters in Occupational Therapy. (Once again, Facebook messenger has been a great archive for their story). Erica messaged him on Facebook as someone from Atlanta that she knew was there for Dental school. He was extremely helpful and supportive and offered to give Erica and her mom a tour of the medical campus. To this day, they joke that “Tour Guide Ry” gave them a great tour and that’s why Erica ended up at Columbia (LOL)! Their first date was PERFECT! They had the best time at a Cuban bar in Hell’s Kitchen. They talked for hours and he ended up taking her to his rooftop which was extremely romantic. He played music, they had amazing conversations and then he kissed her. They have been together ever since!

This past year Erica’s parents had opened up a restaurant in Murrel's Inlet, SC. Erica and Ryan had committed to attending the restaurant's Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening which took place on Friday, March 29. Ryan’s parents had also planned on being there (even before the proposal was planned). Erica wasn't expecting the proposal to happen that weekend as Ryan’s sister had just gotten engaged one month prior... Friday started off as a typical day. Ryan stayed at the Bed and Breakfast to "Study" for a licensing exam he had scheduled for the following month. What Erica didn't know was that he wasn't really studying and there was a proposal to plan! So on Friday, after they ate lunch at the restaurant, everyone gathered outside for the speeches and ribbon cutting. Erica’s dad and his operating partner gave his speech which was central around the theme of opening restaurants with their "better halves." In addition, he presented large checks to organizations, as the restaurant's theme is "Good food, Great Value and Giving Back to the Community." Everything seemed like an "ordinary" ribbon cutting at that time. Until her dad invited Ryan up in front of the entire crowd to do the honors of cutting the ribbon. Erica was still aloof to the proposal. In her mind, she was humbled that her father was including Ryan in on the ceremony. Ryan whispered in her ear to come up with him because he didn't want to go up alone (which again seemed "normal"). Ryan reached for both of her hands, said her full name, and got down on one knee to ask her the one question she have been dreaming of since the beginning of their love story. It was perfect!!! *Special thanks to Clear Cut for featuring our story and allowing us to easily share such a beautifully written article with our family and friends!!!* https://theclearcut.co/blogs/clear-cut-couples/clear-cut-couples-erica-and-ryan

Third times the charm. As a #COVIDBRIDE, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the love and support we have gotten in each difficult decision made. No ONE saw what was coming March of 2020. Life gave us lemons, we made lemonade. Thank you for being patient as we navigated the unknown. Thank you for making me the luckiest Bride in the world by choosing to celebrate and complete our marriage on October 16, 2021. We look forward to celebrate safely with all of those who are fully vaccinated this fall! It's ACTUALLY happening y'all, and I am SO EXCITED!!!

On October 16, 2020, we got married in my parent's backyard in the presence of our immediate family in order to keep everyone safe. Though this was not the original plan, I am so happy that we went this route. Honestly, I could not imagine waiting a full year and putting more weight on a wedding that may or may not happen as we had originally planned. Ryan is legally my husband and I could not be happier. The one thing that was missing on October 16, 2020 was all of you. Our day was intimate, special and one I will cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you for all of our family and friends who understood the decision we made and why we moved forward. That being said, our "Jewish Wedding" is not complete. We did not do any of the Jewish Wedding Ceremony traditions. For those who don't know what's to come in a Jewish Wedding just think of those movie scenes where the groom breaks the glass and the guests yell "MAZEL TOV"! I am just so HAPPY that vaccinations have rolled out and we will all be able to hug and dance the night away on October 16, 2021. Time to make up for a year of social distancing... who's ready?!