It all started in a journalism class...

Monique and Eric had almost crossed paths in life before - in 2010 she worked at Zumiez while he was the Assistant Manager, but she only lasted a few shifts before quitting (of course). It wasn't until the Spring of 2011 when they finally met face-to-face. Eric complimented her Nixon watch, she said "thanks" and shyly looked away. For the next few months, they shared a few glances and quick jokes about how preposterous the teacher was that semester, but ended the school year with just a Facebook friendship. It wasn't until one fateful, and oddly warm, winter night in December of 2012 that they caught each other's eyes again.

They met again!

Eric tended to limit conversations with people while busking, because it was a distraction from his task at hand/money making. But, for some reason, he gave Monique his ear that night, and allowed her to request any emo or pop punk tune that came to mind. She was a bit smitten and completely ignored the fact that he was working, and the conversations flowed. But just as soon as she came, she disappeared into the night.

It wasn't until a month later, in January 2013, that the conversations became a daily occurrence. As each day passed, they were learning more and more about each other through texting - millennials am I right? And, just a little over a month after that, February 27th, 2013, was their first date!

First Date

That first date solidified a simple crush into the start of a super duper journey. They made it "official" on April 22, 2013 - on Earth Day because Eric said Monique "was his world". He totally had her entire heart after that line.

Since then, they've been through many seasons and experiences, and have grown with each other along the way. Eric has learned to sit through and have impactful commentary on episodes of Real Housewives, and Monique now has a true understanding and appreciation of Zelda and Harry Potter. Eric gives Monique guitar and ukulele lessons whenever she asks, and Monique teaches Eric how to spot the offside in soccer games. Their differences have truly found a way to complete one another!

The Proposal

October 23, 2016 was the day Eric proposed. As the sun beautifully set on the shores of Punta Cana, and Monique's hangry nature became apparent - Eric still loved her and knew she was the one he wanted to ask this once-in-a-lifetime question to. There was no hesitation, Monique said yes and he took her to get food right away (what a guy!).

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