Finding each other took years even though couple only lived blocks apart

Elizabeth Spradley and Eric Regalado grew up only blocks from each other. But they met for the first time in July 2009, and both instantly knew that it was no ordinary introduction. “Although we were both dating other people, I remember thinking, ‘Gosh, this guy would be perfect for me,’ ” Elizabeth said. Eric had the same thought. “I’d always heard that ‘you’ll just know’ … my mom would say that,” he said. “But I never really understood how that could happen…until I met Elizabeth.” Over the next year, they would see each other off and on when their friends would get together, easily talking for hours and finding they had a lot in common, including their spiritual beliefs, senses of humor and interests in camping, hiking and staying fit. “I noticed early on that we would finish each other’s sentences,” Eric said. Then in July 2010, they started hanging out more, becoming closer friends. They were both single by this time, and their friendship quickly blossomed. By August they were dating, and it didn’t take long for them to start talking about marriage and looking at wedding rings. So on Dec. 15 after a romantic dinner, Eric drove Elizabeth to Cliff Drive where he planned to present her with a box. But the box was empty. “I gave her a tacky little spiel about how I couldn’t afford to give her anything but a box of my love,” Eric said. “I’m kind of a sap – I do have a romantic side.” Elizabeth only sweetly replied that the box wasn’t big enough to hold all his love, confirming to Eric just how perfect she was for him. Surprising to Eric however, was that even though it was a Wednesday night, not to mention very cold, there were four other cars parked there. Stage two of his secret plan was meant to take place standing outside on the ridge where he could actually get down on a bended knee—without an audience. Eventually, one by one, the cars left and Eric saw his chance, so he asked Elizabeth if she wanted to go “stand on the edge for a little bit.” “It was so cold, and I’d just taken my shoes off, but I was like, ‘Well, OK…,” said Elizabeth, laughing. Once outside in the freezing cold, Eric knew he needed to act quickly. So he got down on bended knee and… “To this day, I’m still waiting for a response,” he jokes. Actually, the couple is getting married Sept. 10, 2011. Deciding early on to make it almost completely a DIY event, Elizabeth immediately got to work with her mom in mapping out a seriously crafty-chic theme with a palette of burnt orange and cranberry, for the wedding and reception. The couple then enlisted the talents of family and friends to help them pull it off. Elizabeth’s mom is making the flowers (if you’re not a believer in silk, you will be after seeing her amazing life-like creations) for everything from the five bridesmaid’s bouquets to napkin rings for 150 people as well as catering the event along with Eric’s aunt. “Her mom never stops, and Elizabeth is just like her mom,” said Eric. “I was nicknamed the Energizer Bunny in high school,” laughed Elizabeth. Elizabeth is creating the majority of the printed items including the invitations and all the country-styled signs—for their Candy Bar dessert station:; the wedding favor table, where their Hankies for Tears of Joy will be displayed; and for each table, listing funny “Bet-you-didn’t-know” facts about the bride and groom. As if they aren’t busy enough. Elizabeth works three jobs—as a trainer for Crossfit and Oz Fitness and as a coffee barista for Starbucks, and Eric serves at The Melting Pot and is a volunteer firefighter, as well as attends school at Eastern. To top it all off, Eric was in a car accident, through no fault of his own, a few months ago, which left him car-less. Although sharing one car to get everywhere they need to go has made their lives a bit more hectic, when Eric received the settlement, he decided it was a nice chunk of change with which to secure their honeymoon to Cancun, Mexico. Elizabeth agreed. “And we’re going to be ready!” said Elizabeth. In addition, Eric’s grandpa will be officiating the ceremony and Eric’s dad will be constructing props such as a “picture wall” where guests can have fun poking their heads through empty picture frames adorning a faux wall, creating their own photo collage. Friends are helping out as well. A firehouse buddy from where Eric is a volunteer firefighter, will DJ the event and Eric’s high school photography teacher will be snapping shots of the special day. Also, since the maid-of-honor knew the couple wanted her bouquet and the men’s boutonnières from aNeMone, where the maid-of-honor works, she offered to make the flowers for Elizabeth, as their wedding present. Both wedding and reception will take place at The Highland Gardens in Deer Park, Wash. “We were having a hard time finding a place we could afford,” said Eric. “Then we went to look at Highland Gardens and we couldn’t believe how perfect it was.” So they have most of the details taken care of, but what about those nerves? “I’m not big on talking in front of people so I’m a little nervous about the vows,” said Eric. “And I’m worried I’m going to trip!” adds Elizabeth. What they’re not nervous about is making the commitment. “When you meet someone, there’s usually all these questions…but when you meet the right person, in your heart of hearts, you just know this person is made for you,” said Eric. “We’re imperfect people, but we’re perfect for each other.”