Justin & Erika

We met as teenagers in 2005 at a Teen Night at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City at the age of seventeen when introduced by a mutual friend. Yes, you read that correctly, Hammerstein Ballroom. If you grew up in New York City in the 90’s you know exactly what we’re talking about. On this epic and memorable night, our group of friends connected and from that moment on, we were inseparable. We would all venture out across boroughs and state lines to hang-out. There was always something worth linking up for and celebrating. Whether it was a birthday, graduation or Happy Hour at Turtle Bay. Some days our adventures would take us to “The Point” in Yonkers, L.E.S. (Lower East Side), South Street Seaport or maybe the Staten Island Ferry. 

Our crew was and still is a tight-knit group. We go back as far as 15 years, and as our friendships evolved, so did our bond and we’ve become a family. But enough about our friends. This is supposed to be about us… but… it is simply impossible not to include our friends, as they are an essential part of our story. :-) 

Over time life took Justin and I in separate ways. In 2008, Justin made his way to San Diego and I found myself in Boynton Beach, Florida. We were literally on opposite sides of the country. Nevertheless, life always has its way of bringing people back together.  In due course, we found our way back to the Empire State and with time, ultimately, to each other. The most beautiful part of it all is that it happened in such an unexpected and organic way.

With age and time, the affection and bond between Justin and I grew deeper. “Justo” was no longer merely the chill, cool guy with the 2-door GTI who was always willing to squeeze a group of eight in his car, but instead the person I looked forward to getting lost in conversation with. Justin says he really enjoyed being around me because there was never a dull moment (one of which may or may not involve the launching of a bicycle- If you know you know).  To him, I am a feisty firecracker, the life of the party, who was sure to keep him laughing and even thinking that I might just be a little wild. 

After over 15 years of friendship, neither one of us ever imagined that Justin and Elvis’ annual birthday trip to Atlantic City would be the night we discover how deep our connection truly was because of a stolen kiss. (Are you wondering who stole the kiss?) … We’ll just keep you guessing!

Our friendship has been the footing of our relationship and as they say, if one wants to build something, a home that withstands the tests of storms and time, then it must have a strong foundation. Our friendship has taken us from our formative teen years to adulthood.  We share an innumerable amount of core memories and we’ve evolved from Beer Pong Champions to Mommy and Daddy juggling bedtimes, bath times, household duties, while still trying to squeeze a few minutes of 90 Day Fiancé or Netflix for some alone time.  

Well, this is our story, an account that takes us not only down memory lane, but also one that connects us with so many people. On the day of our wedding, you will join us in celebrating our love, our friendship and the connections our love has created with so many others along the way.  

Fin.

Bride and Groom arrive Wednesday, August 2nd and depart Monday, August 7th, 2023.