How did you two meet? Phil and I met at Gord’s in St. Catharines! I was at my friend’s birthday party, and he was the designated driver at a bachelor party. I remember not wanting to go out that night, because I had a super long day at work, but looking back, I am so glad that I did. Phil’s friends all came over to talk to us girls, and one of the guys proceeded to introduce their group to us. This guy was quite drunk, so decided to make fake names, and occupations for each of the guys. He told us that Phil was an investment banker, which had me very interested! I somehow managed to navigate my blind ass in the dark to go and sit beside him. He looked at me, and said, “wow, your pupils are really dilated, are you high?!” Shocked, and slightly caught off guard, I responded, “no, I’m visually impaired.” We chatted for awhile, until I found out he was actually a chef, which made me even more interested. I successfully got his number at the end of the night.
What is one thing that stands out from your wedding day that you’ll never forget? The wedding was absolutely perfect, and we have a difficult time choosing one thing. The one thing that I will always remember was the ceremony at Star of the Sea Church. I thought that the ceremony was beautiful, the music was great, the readings were great, the homily by the priest was great, and I will never forget the intimacy that I felt exchanging vows in front of our families and friends in the church that I grew up in and think of as a second home. I will also never forget the photos that were taken of just the two of us. They were so intimate and so much fun! The photos that were taken with my little brother at the cemetery will also be something that I will never forget.
When did you first know you were in love? Erica: I knew that I was in love with Phil after our first thanksgiving together. At this point, it had only been 2 months into our relationship, but he had already made several trips to visit me in London. I always knew that I was extremely happy and safe with him because he always asked me if I was okay, and if I felt comfortable. When I saw how he interacted with my parents and family, I knew that I was in love with him. I knew for certain that I would spend the rest of my life with him. He treated my family, and they treated him like their own child from very early on. Phil: I fell in love with Erica the moment we decided to give the long distance relationship a shot. We embraced one final time before I left to go back to Niagara from London and at that moment I knew in my heart I was hers.
What is your song and why? Our first song at our wedding was Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion. We chose this song because Phil is literally my eyes when I can’t see, my strength and my everything. I firmly believe that I am where I am in life, and have accomplished everything I have because he loved me, and continued to always believe in me.