Justin and Erica met on a Saturday night at G Street Wunderbar in Davis. The two quickly engaged in conversations centering around Game of Thrones theories and Erica’s love of dogs. After a few rounds of the Simpson’s arcade game, the two ended the night on the dance floor; exchanging numbers prior to parting ways. After Funk Night at G Street Wunderbar and a few days of texting, Justin finally mustered the courage to ask Erica on an official date to Coin Op, a bar and arcade in Midtown Sacramento. Despite spending an hour picking out a new outfit to wear, Justin was still extremely nervous. Erica, however, appreciated the effort and eased his nerves, immediately complimenting his NASA shirt! The two spent the night playing old school arcade games and appreciating the ease of conversation which flowed between them.

Over the next few years, the two supported one another as they grew, meeting both academic and personal goals. Erica graduated from UC Davis with her Bachelor’s degree in December of 2020; Justin with his Master’s in June 2021. The two even adopted a dog together in April 2022 – a corgi named Frodo. In March of 2023, Justin decided it was time to take the next step, and asked Erica’s parents for their blessing. At Erica’s annual family camping trip to Shaver Lake, the family hiked to a meadow under the guise of taking family photos. When it was Justin and Erica’s turn to take their photo, Erica asked Justin why he was shaking so badly, to which he responded by getting down on one knee and asking her to marry him.