North Carolina Engagement Photos by AO&JO Photography
When you have a couple that met and got engaged at the track you of course have their engagement session at the track. Virginia International Raceway in Alton, VA was the perfect backdrop and Justin's bike the perfect prop for their fun and romantic photos. To read more about this fun couple read more below.
How did the two of you meet?
Justin and I met at Virginia International Raceway in March 2006. Justin was about to go out on track for the drive around portion of the weekend and I was with my father helping him with his car. My dad was unable to take me around the track so he suggested I go with another person. My dad talked to Justin's dad and next thing I know I was being shoved into 2002 Camry, which was Justin's mother's car, with Justin as the driver. He spent the next 20 some minutes trying to show off his "racing skills" around the track.
Tell us about the proposal
Well, per Justin this is how it went. Justin had intended to propose at the March race, 2015. Since that was the race weekend we met at it seemed fitting to propose that weekend. We went up to the race track, just like every other race weekend, without any irregularities in our schedule. We worked our event Saturday and went to the worker party we have Saturday night after all the races are done with. Shortly after we finished eating at the party Justin suggested we go on a walk. Back story here, Justin and I use to take walks around the race track to get to know each other when we first started dating, including the first night we met. Justin walked me over to the fenced area near the pit lane and began talking about life and next thing I know I heard something along the lines of "and I want to do this for a long time". I turned to face him and next thing I knew he had a flash light in one hand shining on the ring box in the other and was down on one knee. It was all in one, well choreographed movement too. I took a few seconds to make sure I wasn't dreaming then I asked him if he was serious. He nodded and I said yes, still half believing it was a dream. We then celebrated at a pre-arranged engagement party at a friend of ours camp site with family and friends.
What’s something annoying but cute that each of you do?
Ericka: Well, for one thing Justin doesn't just show affection...he REALLY shows affection to the point of utter embarrassment. For example, he doesn't just hug...he practically suffocates you. He also finds it funny to threaten to drop me from a couch or something and then tell me "I saved you" when he pulls me back up. Justin: She has the ability to look like the most pathetic little girl if she wants to get her way or if she doesn't feel good. She also hugs a lot.
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to in your life-after-marriage together?
We would love to start traveling and going places we couldn't afford or dream of going when we were younger.
What do you both enjoy doing together with your free time?
Motorcycle rides, watching a good movie/tv show, going on walks around the neighborhood, cooking together, working on the latest house project/idea, going on a random drive, or hanging out with our group of friends.
What is your favorite memory together?
So, let's set up for this one a big. Justin went to college at ECU when I was in college at NC State. Both being poor college students, and me without a car, my dad would drop me off halfway to Greenville where Justin would be waiting to pick me up and drive me the rest of the way. One valentines day, maybe 3-4 years into the relationship, he came to pick me up and drove back into greenville. We were talking in the car, catching up, when all of a sudden he jerks the wheel hard to the left and pulls a u turn in the middle of the street. I was completely confused as to why this was happening and next thing I know he started rolling the window down and stuck his hand out of it. Suddenly I was being handed a valentines day balloon and we turned back to head towards his house. Yes, you have it right...he took an abandoned balloon out of the middle of the road and gave it to me, romantic right? Well then we get back to the house and he has a present for me. He then give a dachshund that says "I love this much". Yes, just like that. It was then I noted that it had a clearance tag on it...since the word "you" was missing on the stuffed animal. Oh wait, there is more. I woke up the next morning and he had taken probably 30 old school valentines day cards (like kinder gardeners put these in the valentines day box for class cards) and put them in all my stuff, clothing, shoes, book bag, etc. It was a great weekend for the both of us.
If you could both relocate anywhere in the world – where would it be?
Justin: Asheville, NC (Justin refuses to think of any place he hasn't yet been to). Ericka: Probably Australia. It just looks so beautiful. :D
