Here’s their love story told by Erin!
In June 2006, Robert Shrader made a choice in life that, little did he know, would change his future forever! As of July 2006, he would trade in days of his New Jersey lifestyle which was full of Rutgers college football games, Flyers Hockey, Fat Cat Sandwiches, weekends at the shore, Philly Cheese steaks, and cold temperatures by making a move to Jacksonville Florida. Rob would now enjoy local and homemade brews, year long beach weather, fresh caught seafood, boat rides which included fishing or cruising, and the occasional Flyers game when on TV while enjoying a Cheese Steak at Philly’s Finest. Rob accepted a position at a local investment firm in Jacksonville Florida where he met his future soon to be wife (Erin Brackenridge- ME!).
I’m a native Floridian and showed this NJ boy the Southern lifestyle! I took Rob on trips all across the Southern states which included FL, AL, LA, GA and NC. In return, Rob shared the Northern areas with me NJ, NY, DE, PA, and MA. Rob and I enjoyed exploring and learning from each other while indulging in the different cultures that we were both raised in. Rob enjoyed the relaxed Florida vibe and I really enjoyed the food and shopping up North; however, we both enjoyed traveling and extended our personal travels to: Keys, Alaska, Canada, Bahamas, and Jamaica.
When they say opposites attract in my love story that couldn’t be truer. Rob is a quiet individual, even has a nick name from college “Quite Rob”, and I’m a very bubbly outgoing person. We bring out the best in each other (sometimes the hard way) and have grown together as a couple.
In 2012, Rob proposed. Rob, Cindy (my mom) and I had a tradition during December that we would go to St. Augustine ride the trolley viewing the millions of Christmas lights throughout the city. On December 14th, 2012 this trolley ride would be one that we would never forget. The Trolley was full of cheer as we all were singing Christmas songs and Rob proposed. My mom who was sitting next to me missed the whole proposal as she was lost in the millions of lights on the opposite side of the trolley and then saw my beautiful ring! Can’t get more romantic then millions of white lights surrounding you on a beautiful crispy night with person you love!
I later found out that the proposal location in St. Augustine was an alternative plan. Unfortunately, Rob’s grandma fell ill and Rob had planned a special proposal in NJ while we were there visiting during November 2012. His grandmother was fond of me and he wanted her to be able to share in the experience and celebration; however, sadly she passed prior to us arriving to NJ. Rob was able to still include his grandma in our celebration as 12/14 (night he proposed) was his grandma’s birthday!
I can’t wait to start our next chapter in our love story!
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