SAY HELLO AND CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SYLVIE BRIDE, ERIN M. AND HER FIANCE, MICHAEL!
HOW THEY MET
I met Michael on board the USS Laboon DDG-58 during a Navy Tiger Cruise. Things didn’t fair so well for me below deck after about 5 minutes as we were underway, I requested to be brought topside after taking Dramamine, I was left near the bridge of the ship to take the air and it was there that I met a good looking midshipman (Michael) who was sitting nearby. Turns out he was attending Virginia Military Institute and we had some mutual friends. Thankfully the conversation was a much needed distraction. We talked for the rest of the cruise and I invited him to dinner when I was back in Lexington. I kept in contact with him but like a lot of things, time just got in the way. My next long conversation with him wasn’t until two years after he graduated from VMI. He had told me he was going to be attending the naval post graduate school in Monterey, CA. A few months after that I received a message asking if I’d like to grab a drink as he was passing through Richmond back to Norfolk for his proportion ceremony. We met at the Pour House in Short Pump and had a drink over a few games of pool. Long story short, we ended up talking into the wee hours of the night. We continued to talk and see each other even after he moved to Monterey. It was in November 2017 that things became official and the rest is history!
HOW DID YOU KNOW THEY WERE THE ONE?
I knew I wanted to be with Michael the rest of my life when we were returning to Virginia after living in Monterey, California for a year. We had already been together for two years, but driving across the United States affirmed to me that no matter where we go and what adventures we had, I would always want to be by his side.
HOW DID HE PROPOSE?
It was the day after Christmas. We had spent the previous day with Michael’s family in Stafford, VA. After a leisure breakfast, we started our way back to Norfolk as we were planning on going to Busch Gardens Christmas Town that evening with my family. I had noticed we had gone a different way and realized we were heading to the Fredericksburg Battlefield. Michael said he wanted to make a quick stop for old time sake as the previous year we had visited the battlefield that same day. We first went into the gift shop where I bought this pretty dogwood pin. We then got Rosie, our morkie, out of the car and proceeded on our walk around the grounds. Once reaching the car, I could tell Michael was really nervous. I put Rosie back in the car and Michael asked if we could go back up to the Confederate artillery lines on top of Marye’s Heights. I said “Sure, I like that spot anyway.” As we approached the cannons, Michael was murmuring to himself and I finally stopped him near a large tree overlooking Historic Fredericksburg to see what was the matter. He started hugging me, kissing my forehead, and rubbing my hands…several times, trying to get words out. Realizing what he’s trying to do, I finally smiled at him and said, “You can do it, babe.” Shakily, Michael got down on one knee and asked me to marry him which I happily replied with “Yes!” Later, We celebrated the evening riding roller coasters and calling our friends and family to share the good news.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE A SYLVIE RING?
I wanted a ring that had a vintage flair, but not something that everyone else had. The oval shape was perfect for my little fingers.
WHICH SYLVIE RING DID YOU CHOOSE?
WHERE DID YOU BUY THE RING?
We purchased my ring at Diamonds Direct in Virginia Beach
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR RING?
I love how unique it is. My fiance is an engineer and wanted me to have input on my ring. This particular setting was so important to me that he wanted to make sure it was exactly right. However, Michael replaced the two peek-a-boo diamonds with rubies, my birthstone. That just made it more special.
AS A YES GIRL, WHAT DO YOU SAY “YES” TO IN LIFE?
I say “yes” to the good times and the hard times. “Yes” to forever and to Always. I will say “Yes” TO THE GREATEST ADVENTURE OF MY LIFE.
AS THE GROOM, WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT ERIN?
When I first met Erin, I thought she was an Angel (still do). I love how her personality can be so fluid, being silly and serious at the right times. She’s absolutely beautiful and I love her cute, adorable moments. Best of all, SHE IS MY EQUAL, we rely on each other as a team. I believe I have found my soulmate and I love her so much!
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