Ice skating instructor, salsa dance partner, guinea pig for Mel’s many dinner experiments – these are all crucial roles Eric has played over the last three years. After meeting for the first time at their friend Kenly’s birthday party in September 2019, which they both attended on a whim, Eric and Mel’s relationship took off. Highlights of their first few dates include all-you-can eat Korean BBQ, a riveting karaoke performance that would have made Britney Spears proud, and some messy cooking adventures that were worth the cleanup. They even managed to assemble half a catalog’s worth of IKEA furniture and stay together in the process–the mark of a truly strong relationship.

These days, Mel and Eric love to test out new coffee shops (although they have yet to find one that beats their all-time favorite Compass Coffee), grab a drink at the local Ballston Quarter, and explore Old Town Alexandria. They are always down for a quiet nature hike, a good taco, rowdy concerts at the Anthem, and spontaneous trips to Baltimore. They still frequent The Wharf in Washington, DC where they first met, and in fact Eric chose this as the spot to propose to Mel on December 1, 2022 with a beautiful ring that had been in the works for months.

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We’re thrilled to tie the knot this summer and even more excited to share this special time with our loving family and amazing friends. This wedding will not only blend two lives, but two cultures, and we hope it’s as memorable for you all as it will be for us!