It all started at the University of Delaware; Joey a freshman, and Erica a sophomore. Both involved in Greek life, their chapters had a mixer. Joey, a pledge at the time, was designated a 'safe ride' and drove Erica and her friend (shoutout Mel!) to a party. From then on, they were 'party friends', always going out of their way to say hello to one another. But it all came to a head in Feb of 2017, Joey, now a sophomore and Erica, a junior. Both freshly single, they started talking at pregame for a Formal, and ended up together the whole night, talking, dancing, and maybe a bit of smooching! They kept chatting in passing, Joey smitten and persisting, while Erica tried cooling things off. But by May, Erica realized Joey was too good to pass up and they started talking much more consistently. Come September, when they returned to UD for the fall 2017 semester, Joey now a junior, and Erica a senior, it was clear they had feelings for each other. Erica continued to try and take things slow, as she knew she was heading back to New York for graduate school, but she couldn't deny her feelings any longer. So, on October 25, 2017, they officially became boyfriend & girlfriend.

After finally making things official, they only had 1 school year together at UD. The school year was filled with date parties, hanging with each other's roommates (shoutout White House & 212), fun, and worries. With Erica graduating and heading back to New York, it was hard for both Erica and Joey to not think about the future. They both were nervous and sad about having to be apart, but they knew what they had was real, solid, and worth the effort. What ensued was 4 years of long distance. During that time, they saw each other every 2 weeks, switching off between NY and DE. Thankfully, both the Waldman and Parlamenti families instantly supported this relationship and hosted these trips. Erica and Joey were loved and accepted into each other's families without hesitation. It was clear to all that they were in love, happy, and serious about making it work. While COVID delayed their plans a bit, Erica and Joey finally ended the 'long distance' chapter of their relationship when they moved in together on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in August of 2022.

After 5 years together, and finally living together, the idea of getting married was no longer a future dream, but something real and tangible. Both Erica and Joey were excited to get engaged, and went ring shopping together in May of 2023. Erica, being who she is, had to make sure she designed and picked the perfect ring. Joey customized the ring by adding an engraving, two musical notes in morse code, a sweet nod to the way they show their love. On a family trip to Hawaii with the Parlamenti's, Joey took Erica to 'take pictures' at sunset with his brother & sister-in-law. As John snapped pictures, Joey dropped to one knee and asked Erica, "Will you marry me?". After attacking him with hugs and kisses, she eventually said, "Yes!". It was intimate, sweet, and a perfect summation of their relationship.

After some discussion, Erica and Joey naturally came to the decision to elope. But just eloping didn't feel right. Both the Waldman and Parlamenti families had been such a big part of the long distance chapter of their relationship, and it only felt right for them to witness this marriage. The day after Thanksgiving 2023, the Waldman and Parlamenti families came together in NYC at Joey & Erica's apartment. That morning, the couple spent time reading private vows to each other and getting ready for the day. The families arrived, and everyone headed over to Central Park. There, on a bridge by the reservoir, Erica's best friend, Sam Tierney, officiated their union. Both of the couple's moms were integral to the ceremony, sharing a poem and song lyrics to help capture the love that is shared between Erica & Joey. The day continued with a bus ride down to Tessa, where they all had a lovely dinner and spent the evening laughing and celebrating together.

Now, we are SO excited to celebrate this milestone with all of our family and friends! We can't wait to see and spend time with all of you!