Ehren & Erika

Our story begins in sixth grade, when Ehren transferred to St. Pius X School. Fresh off a dramatic exit from his previous school (the details are classified), he walked into a new classroom, completely unaware that someone unforgettable was sitting just a few desks away. That someone was Erika.

From the moment he saw her, Ehren was hooked. He asked her to be his girlfriend that very same day. She said no. (A wise choice—he had some growing up to do.) We stayed friends through middle school, and by sophomore year at Dowling Catholic High School, we finally started dating.

Between soccer games, swim meets, and shared classes, our friendship turned into something deeper. We pushed each other to be better - sometimes literally. In one persuasive essay assignment, we were each assigned opposite sides of a hot-button issue. Erika’s paper got the higher grade. Ehren has never fully recovered.

After high school, we both went on to Iowa State, where we studied, grew, and built a life together one small moment at a time. Through early-morning classes, late-night snacks, and everything in between, we became a team.

From childhood classmates to high school sweethearts, we’ve shared so many chapters of life together. And last summer, in the city of love itself, Ehren asked Erika to marry him—a moment that made Paris even more unforgettable. Now, we’re ready to begin the next chapter, and we’re so grateful to have you with us as we do.