For many couples, the moment when one person pops the question is a huge surprise. But that wasn’t the case for Erica, who Nick proposed to on a secluded cliffside in Ireland. “I know Nick well enough that I was definitely expecting it,” she says, “but I couldn’t have asked for a better spot to get engaged to my best friend.”

Erica and Nick first met in college at the University of Nevada in Reno, and Nick recalls taking Erica out to dinner for their first date. “My pickup truck was old, the driver’s side door didn’t open, and the passenger window was permanently stuck down,” says Nick. “Even though the car ride was freezing, and I had to climb through the passenger seat, she didn’t complain once. I knew she was a keeper after that first night.”

The two tied the knot in an October celebration at The Barn at Second Wind. They both wanted a rustic, country-themed wedding, and the venue was a perfect fit. “Our wedding designer Lindsey from Getting Hitched Design + Rentals set up a display in front of French doors underneath a huge, shady tree. It was so beautiful,” says Erica. It was also during the ceremony that both experienced their favorite moment of the day: Erica’s entrance. “Nick looked so happy to see me walking down the aisle, which made me even more emotional,” she says. “I’m not normally an expressive person, but I definitely was at that moment.” Nick says that Erica absolutely interpreted his expression correctly. “I was so happy to finally see her after waiting for so long!”

The party moved inside the barn for dinner, with a few quick moments dedicated to speeches and cake cutting. But then it was right to dancing; Erica recalls that guests were on the dance floor the entire night. “We kept the traditions to a minimum because most people enjoy drinking and socializing the most,” she says. “We had hip-hop hits playing so people would dance as much as possible.”

Though the wedding was just what the couple wanted, Erica says that their short, seven-month engagement did make planning a bit harder. “Since so many people plan their weddings over a year or longer, lots of vendors were booked for our wedding date,” she says. She recommends that other couples with short engagements be flexible and open-minded when it comes to selecting vendors. “Don’t stress too much over the details,” she says, “because you’re not going to notice them on your wedding day anyway. In the end, everything turned out perfect.” 

—Suzie Dundas