We met the way all great love stories begin… over coffee.

In 2023, by pure chance, we both reached for the same coffee order at a local coffee shop. Jer almost took my coffee, but instead of any sassy remarks, we ended up talking briefly and exchanging numbers—and just like that, it all started.

We texted for a couple of weeks, during which I was fully convinced this would be a “just friends” situation… or that he’d be like every other guy I’d met before. Then one day, after texting regularly, he went completely silent for an entire week. Little did I know, he was in the thick of fall busy season and had little to no time outside of work. When he finally reached out and asked how my week was, my initial reaction was “Who does this guy think he is?” But I also knew I wasn’t into playing games. So, I decided to be brave (and honest). I told him I wasn’t interested in casually dating—I was dating to marry—and if that wasn’t what he wanted, that was okay, but I knew what I wanted.

He responded almost immediately. He told me he was looking for something serious, that he wasn’t interested in playing games either… and then he asked me out on an official date that same week. We’ve been together ever since.

My first impression? He almost stole my coffee—but he also seemed gentle, kind, and chivalrous. He says his first impression was that I was cute and sweet… and very clearly wanted that coffee.

For me, I knew he was different during and after our first date. He was nervous, genuine, and such a gentleman. Conversation came easily, and when it lulled, it didn’t feel awkward—it felt comfortable. That was new. I remember thinking men like him didn’t exist anymore, and I felt incredibly lucky.

For Jer, it was our third date. We played pool at Joey’s then headed to grab churros and drinks at Honchos off broadway. We ended up sitting outside at a picnic table under string lights just talking for hours. As the place closed, the neighborhood quieted, and the world seemed asleep but, it was just us. He remembers thinking, “I would love it if we ended every night like this for the rest of our lives.”

He also loves to remind everyone that I was “late” to that date. I say 15–20 minutes. He says 45. And somehow, every time he tells the story, the number gets bigger—like a fisherman with his prized catch. 🎣

Early on, our relationship was full of adventure—movie nights on the lawn at the Pearl, Wurstfest, ice skating, and endless dates where we kept finding ways to bring each other into our lives. Now, our relationship is the safe landing space in the craziness of life. It’s the quiet in the storm and the laughter in the heaviness.

What I love most about Jer is that he is steady. He reminds me that nothing in life is as serious as it feels. He has made me feel safe, seen, and deeply loved from the very beginning. He is kind and gentle, lives by his convictions unapologetically, and never tries to be anyone but himself.

From Jer: I love that Ericka has such a big heart, for her family, her friends and every person in her life. I’ve never met someone who cares as deeply as she does. I’ve seen her when things get tough whether that’s at work or just in life and she never loses the ability to make the choice to love people. To love them on their hardest day. I love how driven she is in her work. She’s always striving to better herself for the people she takes care of.

The proposal happened at a local park—and somehow, despite many suspicious moments leading ups to the day, I was completely surprised. That week I was consumed with work. There were two certification exams to study for and full days of class on top of my work schedule. Jer quietly helped me prepare and study throughout the week. At one point, when showing me a video on his phone, he panicked and snatched his phone away from me when I almost saw pictures of the ring he’d been sending to his sister (which I didn’t realize at the time… but definitely raised suspicion). At the time, I remember thinking how suspicious it was but I didn’t have the mental capacity to even think about it.

On the day of the proposal, I insisted on attending a barre class before picnic plans with our friends. So when it was time for the picnic I threw my hair in a braid, put on a dress, and showed up to what I thought was a casual picnic with friends. As we began laying out food I opened a box of French cookies and inside was the ring box. I was shocked—truly shocked. For a moment, I thought it had to be a prank… until I looked at him.

He reached over for my hand as I, still in shock kept saying “I can’t believe you’re doing this!”

Jer said, "We talk about spending the rest of our lives together—and I just don't want to wait anymore." Then he asked me to marry him.

And, of course, I said yes. 🤍