Our story began on June 17, 2022, at a Chicago lounge called Tribe. Erica had just moved back to the Midwest and was out with her best friend, Erin (Best of Honor)—who also happened to be one of Larry’s closest friends. Larry wasn’t planning on going out that night, but a little peer pressure (and maybe fate) convinced him otherwise.
When he arrived, he spotted Erin first and gave her a hug. He noticed Erica sitting on the couch. His next words were,“Damn, that’s Erica? She’s fine as hell.” Erica thought he was fine too, with a humor and energy that instantly drew her in. That night of laughter and cocktails turned out to be the start of something special.
Two weeks later, Larry and Erica had an unexpected solo outing. Larry thought he, Erin and Erica were going out to a day party. Erica thought that it was just going to be her and Erin. Erin had other plans completely lol. She had some last minute errands to run before a long overseas trip and suggested that Erica hang out with Larry for the day and she would join later.
Larry (like the gentleman he is) went out of his way to pick up Erica from Erin’s house for the party. Erica (like the gentlewoman she is) had to pay for Larry to get into the party because he had no cash (they missed free entry). Drinks flowing, music going, but somehow they ended up talking the entire time at this loud ass party. For Larry, it felt like they were the only ones in this crowded bar as he was deeply engaged in their conversation. For Erica, it felt like the rest of the bar disappeared leaving only the two of them talking. They spent the rest of the day together, from party to Harolds to Cerise rooftop. The night ended with them taking an unexpected walk along the river with plans made to see each other the next day.
They had their first date at Larry’s apartment. Nothing extravagant—just pizza, wine, movies, and card games—but it was perfect. They talked for hours, laughed nonstop, and felt an undeniable chemistry. By the end of the night, they both knew this wasn’t just another date—it was the beginning of something real.
Their relationship was tested right from the start, as they spent the first year long distance—Erica in Detroit and Larry in Chicago. But even miles apart, they found ways to stay close, talk for hours, and support each other. The distance made them stronger, teaching them patience, trust, and the joy of coming together after time apart.
Love found us in quiet moments. For Larry, it happened while cuddling, when he looked into Erica’s eyes and simply knew, even if he didn’t say it out loud right away. For Erica, it came with resistance—nervous about how deep her feelings had grown. But when Larry gently said, “Tell me you don’t love me,” she couldn’t. In that moment, there was no denying what was already in both of our hearts.
Fast forward to the proposal. Larry planned it at Lírica on Navy Pier, a place that felt serendipitous since its name sounded like both of their names combined. He gathered their closest family and friends under the pretense of a fancy but family-friendly event, so Erica’s daughter, Winter, could be there too. The lead-up was chaos (Erica was an hour and a half late!), but when she walked in, everything fell into place—rose petals scattered across the floor, balloons spelling out “Marry Me”, and Larry waiting with love in his eyes.
He got down on one knee and asked Erica to marry him. Her answer, of course, was yes. The ring was everything she had ever dreamed of. But the most touching moment came next—Larry pulled out a necklace, got down on one knee again, and asked Winter if he could officially be her stepdad. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
What makes our love so special is how we show up for each other every day. We love each other in the ways we each need to be loved, and we communicate with care and intention. More than anything, we are best friends. We love being together, we laugh constantly, and we know that no matter what, we’ve found our forever in each other.
