Eric's Version:

Before Leandra and I graduated Eckerd in 1998 we knew we'd be apart for at least a year. At that point we decided that we needed to have a timeframe, an endpoint at which we would be in the same city again and could actually date again. Otherwise, a long distance relationship would be unfeasible.

Fast-forward a year. I applied to the University of Georgia Genetics program, and was accepted Summer 1999. I moved down in August and convinced Leandra to move down in October. Moving down was a test of our relationship, and after that I knew I wanted to marry her. Of course, I kept that to myself, and I had Leandra thinking "eventually, in a few years, before I’m 30." After Christmas vacation I went ring shopping in Athens. I told no one but the jeweler. Surprise was paramount.

The second half of the engagement was the harder part - where? Since October I had been plotting a Florida vacation for early spring during which I could surprise Leandra. Several times we had to change plans and almost didn't go. I managed to convince her to take a long weekend in March, then talked her into watching a nearly nonexistent sunset on the sea wall at Eckerd. All the plotting and planning was worth the look of absolute surprise on her face!

I think we are both lucky that we've stuck together. We share a lot of interests: wine, art, TV shows, music, movies - we’ll definitely make a great married couple.

Leandra's version:

The night he proposed to me was beautiful. We had missed the sunset by minutes, but as we were standing out on the seawall, the wind was blowing gently and being at Eckerd always brings back good memories for me. He asked me if I wanted to grow old with him and I said of course - because we always talk about things like that...but when I turned around he was holding an open black box with a ring inside. I think I stood there shocked for a few seconds because it was such a complete surprise. But after a hug, (of course) I said yes.

This has actually been rather exciting for me even though I was never one of those girls who has been planning her wedding since her fifth birthday. I am confident that together we will make everything work and the important thing is that everyone we love is here to share in the happiness we have. the end.