December Monthly wedding Winners: Anna Marie and Eric. Love often finds us when we least expect it. For our newest “Wedding Winner,” that discovery began with a simple swipe during a snowy New York City afternoon. While many couples struggled with the distance of the early 2020s, this pair transformed a long-distance challenge into a globe-trotting adventure. At A Chair Affair, we believe every great design starts with a great story. This one spans from the trails of Iceland to the beaches of Hawaii. Furthermore, their resilience and commitment prove that when you find “the one,” no distance is too great. No flu is too festive to stop a perfect proposal. Read on to discover how this adventurous duo navigated four years of long distance to finally plan the celebration of a lifetime.
Where did you meet your fiancée?
We met on Facebook’s dating app over Valentine’s Day weekend in 2020. I was hesitant to try dating apps at first. After a little encouragement from a friend, I gave it a try and we matched the very next day.
How did you know they were the one for you?
Our first date was on February 29, 2020, in New York City. What was supposed to be a quick coffee and a walk through Central Park turned into a day neither of us wanted to end. We even got caught in a light snowfall while walking through the park, and in that moment, it felt like I was living in a Hallmark movie.
Just two weeks later, the world changed as COVID hit, and shortly after, my job relocated me from Long Island to Virginia. Over the next four years, we navigated long distance while I completed grad school and a rotational program at my job that moved me two more times. By six months in, after seeing the effort we were both putting in, I knew I had found my person.
What are the things you have in common?
We share a deep love for travel, adventure, and experiencing new places together. During the four years of long distance, travel became the heartbeat of our relationship. We met up for more than a dozen trips to places like Iceland, Hawaii, the Bahamas, multiple regions of Canada and many cities across the U.S.
We also enjoy trying out new breweries, spending time with family and spending time at home watching our favorite shows.
How did they propose?
Our proposal is actually a funny story. I told Eric that all I wanted was to be genuinely surprised, for the moment to be just between the two of us, and then to spend time celebrating with family afterward. He had an incredibly thoughtful plan ready for Christmas week of 2024, but I ended up getting a horrible flu and missed out on all of my family’s holiday activities.
Not wanting to wait any longer, Eric proposed Christmas morning in our home while we were exchanging gifts. When he asked, I froze for nearly a full minute because I genuinely thought I was having a NyQuil-induced dream. Once it finally sank in that I wasn’t dreaming, I cried happy tears and, of course, said yes.
It wasn’t how we originally imagined it, but it was absolutely perfect, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I was feeling better by New Year’s and we were able to celebrate with family then.
What part of the wedding day are you looking forward to most?
We’re most excited to finally have everyone we love in one place, celebrating not just our wedding day, but the journey it took to get here.
What inspired your wedding colors?
Our wedding color palette is a blend of both of our favorite colors. Allowing each of our personalities to shine.
Celebrating the Journey: From First Date to Forever
Ultimately, a wedding is more than just a ceremony. It is a celebration of every mile traveled and every obstacle overcome. Although a bout of the flu shifted their original proposal plans, it created a beautiful, intimate memory that this couple will cherish forever. Now, as they move away from the world of travel itineraries and long-distance calls, they are focusing on the joy of having all their loved ones in a single room. We are absolutely honored to help them set the stage for this long-awaited reunion. Consequently, their wedding will serve as a vibrant reflection of their shared personalities and their unwavering dedication to one another.
Are you ready to bring your spectacular wedding vision to life and win $500 off your rentals, just like Lanier and Will? Click below to enter our monthly contest! December Monthly wedding Winners: Anna Marie and Eric
Don’t wait to book your rentals and get automatically entered to win! Secure your preferred items today and you could be our next lucky winner saving $500 on your perfect wedding décor. We look forward to celebrating with you! Your Dream Wedding, Our Gift: Win $500 Off Your Rentals with A Chair Affair!
