The year was 1998 and in the bustling halls of junior high, two paths intertwined in a tale of unexpected connections and serendipitous reunions. Eric roamed the streets of our small town on his bike, while Melissa, confined to her driveway, honed in on her entrepreneurial skills with her lemonade stand. Little did they know, fate had plans far beyond their wildest dreams. Their junior high days were marked by a fleeting encounter, a brief moment of recognition amidst the chaos of adolescence.
Years passed, and their lives took divergent paths. High school came and went without their paths crossing again, and it wasn't until after college that fate intervened once more. A chance reconnection sparked a flame of curiosity, leading to a brief romance that flickered like a summer breeze.
But it wasn't until 2022 that their stars aligned once more, illuminating a shared passion that would bind them together in ways they never imagined. As they rediscovered each other, they unearthed a mutual love for travel and a desire to explore the world hand in hand.
From the cobblestone streets of Italy to the sun-kissed beaches of Fiji, from the vibrant culture of Mexico to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, Eric and Melissa embarked on a journey of a lifetime. Together, they traversed continents and oceans, collecting memories like precious souvenirs along the way.
Their adventures took them to Greece, Italy, Australia, Fiji, Mexico, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and beyond, each destination a testament to their shared spirit of adventure and their boundless love.
As they stand on the precipice of a new chapter, let us celebrate the magic of Eric and Melissa's journey—a story of love, laughter, and the endless possibilities that await when two hearts unite in wanderlust.
"Welcome to my corner of the wedding profile! I'm Melissa, your soon-to-be bride and partner in all things adventure and love.
Professionally, I wear two hats – I'm an entrepreneur and an accountant, balancing the creative energy of entrepreneurship with the structured world of numbers. I earned my Bachelor's in Business from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, and later pursued an MBA from the University of La Verne, diving deeper into the world of business strategy and management. Together with my two brothers, I helm our family-owned business, a journey that's both rewarding and fulfilling.
I'm the fourth born of six siblings and my family is originally from Guyana, South America. Family is everything to me, and I'm grateful for the bond we share. Both of my parents, Bridget and Francis Hyles, have passed but I know they are smiling down on us and giving us their blessings.
Now, onto the fun stuff! I love to travel, the beach and taking photos of exotic flowers while abroad. When it comes to food, you can find me tearing up some carne asada tacos or savoring the aromatic flavors of curry chicken. My lucky number is 10, its a reminder of the endless possibilities life has to offer.
Entrepreneurship has always been in my blood – from my first real venture of selling snacks in high school with my best friend and maid of honor, Daphne, to leading our family owned business today.
Give me a beach, a shot o' clock, and a chance to make memories with the people I love, and you'll find me in my element. I'm always up for a good time, whether it's dancing under the stars or sharing stories over a bonfire.
I can't wait to celebrate our love with you all, surrounded by laughter, joy, and endless adventures. Let the countdown to our big day begin!"
Hey there! I'm Eric, the groom-to-be, and I'm thrilled to share a glimpse into who I am before we celebrate our big day together.
I work in the tech world; navigating the ever-evolving landscape of emerging enterprises and bringing new technologies and capabilities to market. With a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate, and Law, followed by an MBA from Cal Poly Pomona, I've honed my skills in business and innovation, always on the lookout for the next big thing.
As the youngest of five siblings, I've learned to embrace the adventure of life with an open heart and a curious mind. Family is my rock, and their support has been the driving force behind my journey.
Let's dive into some fun facts! Gray is my color of choice – versatile, understated, and timeless. When it comes to food, you'll often find me savoring a rack of lamb or indulging in a mouthwatering bone-in filet mignon. And speaking of luck, number 7 holds a special place in my heart, a symbol of possibility.
Entrepreneurship runs in my veins – from my early days selling candy bars with my best friend and best man, Greg, in junior high school, to the exciting ventures I pursue today. Cars are my passion, and there's nothing quite like the thrill of riding my motorcycle through winding roads or seeking out new adventures.
Skydiving, bungee jumping, parasailing – you name it, I've tried it. From playing with tigers to sampling exotic delicacies like rattlesnake, I'm always up for pushing the boundaries of what's possible. My travels have taken me to over 40 countries, with each destination offering its own unique charm and excitement. And if I had to pick a favorite solo trip, it would undoubtedly be my unforgettable journey to Havana, Cuba.
As we embark on this new chapter together, I can't wait to share more adventures, laughter, and love with each and every one of you. Here's to a lifetime of making memories and embracing the excitement that each day brings."