The Story of Us

 

 

Is a great Taylor Swift song, but here is a brief story on how we went from polka partners to matrimonial partners.

 

The first time we met:

Erik and Erica met on a recruitment weekend for the Genetics program at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Erik, a first year, was hosting recruits (specifically Brandon Fields who is in the bridal party). Erica was a prospective student from the University of Michigan. At dinner they sat across from each other and Erica learned how Erik had gone to the University of Minnesota for undergrad and they started to argue about whose school the real UofM is, an arguement that persists to this day. Erik learned how Erica was a coxswain for the rowing team at Michigan and tried very hard to not make immature jokes. The night ended up at a German restraunt in Madison called the Essen Haus where the two enjoyed their first dance together, the polka.

 

A relationship is born:

Erik and Erica, now second and first year Genetics students respectively, would often see each other at the local scientist watering hole, which is aptly named The Library. Our two classes would often hang out on the patio, splitting a pitcher of beer. This is actually the first time Erica talked to Erik's mom Holly. Erik had been talking about how he was born in Hershey, PA (where they make the chocolates and that is why he is so sweet, blah blah). Well, Erica didn't believe that, demanded verification, and Holly was soon on the phone, spoiling the idea, with the story of how I was actually born in the nearby town of Lancaster, PA.

 

Flirting took a while, not for lack of trying, but mostly because Erik is oblivious to everything. Eventually Erik started getting the hint and, as Erica was about to leave The Library, offered to walk Erica home. Away from the group, Erik and Erica made their first of many stops to The Vintage for a game of darts (scoreboard - Erica: 1, Erik: Many). This is really how it started. On Tuesday Erik and Erica would go play a game of darts for some one on one time. That lead to them hanging out two days a week and so on until they sat down and decided to call it what it was, a relationship.

 

This put Erik in a interesting situation. In the constant bickering between Erik and Erica about which state is better, Minnesota or Michigan (obvious answer), they had decided to go to a football game between the Vikings and the Lions at the Metrodome (R.I.P.). However, Erik now had to call his parents to explain that his friend that would be coming with him... is now more than a friend. Funny enough, Dave brought Holly to meet his parents after a short week and a half of dating too. Guess it is genetic. Also, Vikings won (skol).

 

Not too long after, Erica was headed home to Michigan and Erik decided to tag along. Eric and Michelle were gracious hosts and didn't harass Erik too much, despite being in desperate need of a haircut. Erica was very excited to show Erik how great her UofM was. Passing by the Big House (which is bigger than it looks because half of it is underground) and other icons around Ann Arbor, Erica shared stories of her childhood and college days. Although Erik was quick to remind her that her campus didn't have underground tunnels to provide safety to students walking to class in winter, but he agreed that Michigan was pretty darn cool.

 

Required engagement story:

Flash forward quite awhile, and Erik and Erica are very much in love. In the late summer of 2014 Erik and Erica took a trip out to Montana where Erik's parents have 'retired' to. The cabin out there is nestled up against the Gallatin National Forest, some of which is old logging areas from the early 1900's. Erik and his brothers had explored a great deal of this area growing up and there was one spot that Erik particularly enjoyed. A small break in the trees surrenders a view over the entire Mill Creek Valley. Seems like a good place for an innocent hike. Unfortunately for Erica, Erik hadn't been up to this spot in years.

 

Erik knew how to get there, this isn't a story where they get lost for two weeks and survive by eating ants, it is just that Erik forgot some of the... terrain difficulties associated with the hike. When Erica asked Erik if she was okay wearing moccasins without socks, Erik mistakenly said "yes". Halfway up a vertical rock face covered in slippery moss and every semblance of a logging path lost many decades ago, Erica wasn't thrilled about how this hike was going. Luckily she carried on, even after Erik gave the option to head back (which would mean thinking of a new, safer idea). When we finally reached the spot, we basked in the view for a while. Erik bent down... to get a rock in his show... which was actually a diamond (clever word play on the word rock)... turned around and asked Erica to marry him. Tears (of joy) and a resounding yes for all the valley to hear was returned. They spent the next hour or so enjoying some PB&Js and a bottle of Chianti (the couple's favorite).

 

**additional notes**

-Erik almost forgot the wine opener for the hike. Luckily Holly packed one for him.

-Erica asked for a water halfway up, but Erik only packed one at the bottom of the backpack. It took a bit of work to get the water and not ruin the surprise picnic.

-Erica was assured she would be able to tell when Erik was proposing by his demeanor and a ring shaped bulge in his pocket. Erik did the hike in a sweatshirt and fishing vest to hide it, even though it was a very hot day.

 

Where they are now:

As they count down the days to June 11th, Erik and Erica are still powering through their research and enjoying every day they have together. Erica has been getting involved with another women's brewing group and is the big sister (BBBS) of a local high school sophomore. Erik is working his way through a French cook book with his friend Ray (also in bridal party) while Erica and Ray's girlfriend Tricia enjoy some wine. Both a blessed with great family and friends, and are excited to see many of you at the wedding!