Eric and Val met at the University of Dayton (go yers!) in a sophomore year religion class - Christian Ethics in Healthcare. They shared many "hi's" while walking past each other on campus, and had many mutual friends. While their love story didn't start AT Dayton, it arguably started BECAUSE of Dayton. While living in Louisville, Val and her roommate at the time belonged to the Dayton Alumni group, and would often attend meet-ups to watch Flyers basketball games. They decided to recruit other alumni, when Val remembered Eric had messaged her on Instagram when he found out she was moving to Louisville. He messaged, "Louisville is great - you will love it!" - he wasn't wrong. Val decided to finally text him to ask if he wanted to watch a game together. Although he declined due to studying for a medical school exam, he offered to meet up with her later that week. After all, what is to lose by meeting up with a fellow Flyer? Throughout their relationship, Val and Eric have bonded over their love for UD. They have been able to go back to UD several times as a couple - visiting favorite spots including the UD Chapel, Club Roesch, and of course Timothy's Bar and Grille. They shared a VWK Kettering wrap, showed each other where they lived during their four years, and reminisced on favorite memories (ask Eric about his intramural team; ask Val how she spent her Friday afternoons). The couple looks forward to their moment at the wedding of taking a picture with their fellow UD Flyers while chanting D-A-Y-T-O-O-O-O-N!!

After many days of texting, Val and Eric decided to meet up for the first time at Quill's Coffee in Louisville, Kentucky. Val showed up late and Eric bought the coffee (a theme that persists to this day), and neither fully admitted that it was a date. Their conversation over coffee turned hours long, and they decided to extend the "date" to Molly Malone's across the street. Over a few beers, they learned they both love their families and golden doodles, and decided they would meet up again soon. After that day, Quill's became a special place in their relationship and in their hearts - many "dates" would be there spent talking, studying, and enjoying their favorite coffee shop atmosphere. Ask the couple about their favorite drink at Quill's! The couple looks forward to visiting Quill's the day before their wedding on what will be the 6th anniversary of their first "date".

Val and Eric took a week-long trip to the Oregon Coast in May 2023. On the day of the proposal, Val and Eric woke up at their first campsite that was a short walk away from the Pacific Ocean. They made coffee and breakfast burritos and took a short stroll on the beach. They packed up their tent and drove south down the coast to hike Cape Meares - the view on the cape was stunning! Finally, they made their way further south down the coast to make it to their next campsite. Eric decided they had to stop at a brewery along the way, where they shared a flight of beers while overlooking the ocean (Eric later disclosed he needed a beer to calm the nerves - Val had no idea)! They had planned a photoshoot later in the day at a spot along the coast. Val had actually found the photographer, who was an Oregon-based photographer they both followed on social media and would often share his pictures to get excited for the trip. Little did Val know (really, she didn't know), Eric would capitalize on this opportunity to propose. They arrived at their campsite for the night - a stunning spot steps away from the beach. Much to their dismay, they found out that there were no showers at the campsite - which was not ideal after hiking all day and needing to look nicer for the photoshoot. Val shrugged it off and almost decided to wear leggings (she was sweaty and the weather was gross anyways), though Eric encouraged her to wear the dress she brought. They used the bathroom sinks to get ready, and surprisingly cleaned up nicely! They shared a couple of beers they bought at the brewery while they waited for the photographer to arrive at the designated spot - Seal Rock, Oregon. While taking photos, the photographer suggested getting photos on the beach. Once we made it down to the beach, Eric got down on one knee - surprising both Val and the photographer! (Eric did not tell the photographer he was proposing, but he still got the shots)! Long story short, Val said "yes", and she couldn't believe that she hid this secret from him AND took a diamond ring on a cross country flight. They wanted to celebrate with dinner and drinks afterward, though all of the restaurants in the sleepy coastal town were closed. Eric and Val decided to go back to their campsite, make a fire, and cook grilled-cheeses on the camp stove. It was the perfect ending to the best day. They got to enjoy the rest of their Oregon trip as a newly-engaged couple, consisting of: staying at a remote lake house, camping among the Redwoods, visiting snowy Crater Lake, jumping in an alpine lake, and mountain biking in Bend. It was their favorite trip to date! Ask the couple about their favorite Oregon adventures!