Our Story
It all started in May 2008 with a simple online chat and the rest was fate. After chatting for a short time we exchanged yahoo messenger names and continued chatting for a few weeks. Neither of us really knew what would come of it but knew that we enjoyed talking. Later that summer Brett had a scheduled vacation with his friends to Ocean City. Knowing that he couldn't talk on yahoo messenger every day he asked for Erin's phone number to text.
Erin really wasn't sure about it and actually waited a while before deciding to give it to him (but boy is she glad she did!! :) ). We began texting during Brett's vacation which eventually led to phone calls to check in, say good morning & goodnight. Finally after texting and calling both started to develop feelings and knew we wanted to meet in person. So we planned a trip for Erin to come out to the east coast.
After spending a week together both of us knew we were in love. We began our long distance relationship talking & texting every day, mailing gifts back and forth & planning trips for each of us to travel between Delaware & California. Brett flew out to California in May 2009 for Erin's graduation and it was then we made a plan to be together always. We agreed on Erin moving out to Delaware while Brett finished school and when Brett finished school we would move back to California- so we set the plan in motion! Towards the end of June 2009 Brett flew out to California and we drove cross country back to Delaware.
The move was tough on Erin but Brett is definitely worth it! We spent 3 years in Delaware growing our relationship while Brett finished school and finally adopted a dog (Charlotte)! Once Brett finished school in June of 2012 we started our plans to make the trek back to California. Brett, Charlotte & Erin drove cross country back to California and started our lives here. Both of us have known since early on this was something special and can't wait to be husband and wife.
The Engagement
Erin & Brett got engaged on October 5th 2014 after exactly 6 years of dating in Las Vegas, Nevada on a gondola ride at the Venetian Hotel. It was PERFECT!
Brett's Story
I was pretty nervous. But, I felt pretty confident she had no idea, and the location was memorable. My plan was to go on the gondola ride, and ask her about half way through, under the bridge. There are two options when buying tickets for the gondola rides, share with another couple, or have the gondola to yourself. Now, standing there ready to buy tickets for the ride, I realize that having the boat to ourselves will be pretty expensive. So, thinking if I said let's go alone, she may catch on, I decided we'd go with another couple. We didn't know this couple, but that would change.
Now, after running this moment through my mind a thousand times, I was ready. But, the ticket person said the next gondola ride would be ready in an hour. So now, I have another hour wait, stress and rehearse. So the hour passes, and Its finally time to get on the boat. As the moment draws closer, I kind of freeze. I'd like to think the fact that there was another couple threw me off, but that may be an excuse. I start to realize the ride is almost over, so in my head, I count to 1, 2, 3, and make my move. Apparently, it was a good one, because the man from the other couple said "man, that was smooth", and she said yes.
Erin's Story
I've always known from early on that it was Brett. If you've ever seen the episode of Friends where Phoebe explains why Ross and Rachel work together you might understand. He's my lobster. From the moment we met through texting & in person I just knew. There was an undeniable attraction and connection & bond I've never felt with anyone else. Brett and I had to work through living so far apart and figuring out how to make it work but it's always felt natural and meant to be. From early on I pestered Brett about when would we get married. Then as we had been together 3 and 4 and 5 years I started more often asking do you think it will be soon??
Brett kept saying in time, in time. He always told me though it would never be on a holiday or special day so when we went to vegas in October of 2014 for our 6 year anniversary I honestly had NO IDEA! On Brett's birthday a couple years prior we had gone to Las Vegas and rode the gondola ride so when he suggested it again I didn't think anything of it. We got our tickets and went in the casino at the Venetian. The whole time Brett was acting totally normal! We got on the ride with another couple, on the way back to the dock Brett kept turning around so finally I asked are you okay? As we were nearing the dock Brett turns to me and says, "You're the best decision I've ever made. Will you marry me?" Of course I cried and said yes.
The Wedding Party
These are the near and dear to our hearts who will stand by our side as we say I do and become husband and wife!
Matron of Honor | Randi Burton
Best Man | Nate Spees
Groomsman | Dan Burton
Bridesmaid | Christine Spees
Bridesmaid | Trista Price
Groomsman | Ron Block
Registry
We really want to get a new bed!
If you'd like to donate towards that, you can donate online.
If you'd rather select a gift, we're registered at the following places:
Travel
The ceremony, cocktail hour and reception will all be at the Coronado Community Center.
The wedding party will be staying at the Loews Coronado hotel and would love for you to book another room at the same hotel or another nearby so we can celebrate together!
On the Day
Ceremony | 3:00pm
Cocktail Hour | 3:30pm
Reception | 5:00pm