I Do!: Erin Lenz and Michael Barker, of Massapequa
Despite hints, Erin Lenz was shocked by Michael Barker's proposal in Athens. Credit: Anthony Vazquez Photography/Juan Delgado
Erin Lenz and Michael Barker found each other on a dating app, then talked on the phone for four hours — about their day, their families and what they’d order for a death row meal.
No matter the topic, they felt right with each other, even when Barker revealed a secret over dinner, less than three days after their first conversation in April 2023.
“The one thing that was heavy on my mind was I’m sober, I didn’t drink and at the time, I was living at Hope House,” recalled Barker, 36, referring to the Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.
Inspired by how he faced his challenges, Lenz revealed she was in therapy due to her father’s death and other issues. Barker spoke too of his father’s passing.
“I was really impressed with how vulnerable and emotionally intelligent he was from the onset,” said Lenz, 31, an accounting executive.
Since their first phone call, the two never doubted their future included marriage.
But Lenz began to wonder when he would propose.
Before a family vacation to Greece in August last year, Lenz dropped hints repeatedly: “Maybe something is going to happen in Greece,” she would say.
“I told her ‘Nothing’s happening in Greece. Stop asking,’ ” Barker recalled.
As Lenz later realized, he “deserved a daytime Emmy” for concealing the truth.
On a 103-degree day in Athens, they returned to their hotel after six hours of touring and he told her to get ready for a turtle exhibit at the National Garden.
Wanting just to rest in the air conditioning, she texted her best friend: “Michael’s really annoying me. He is not proposing so why is he dragging me to this turtle exhibit?”
Twenty minutes later, by a fountain at the garden, Barker got down on his knee.
“I felt like I was in a dream. I was so shocked,” Lenz said. “It was like the nicest thing anyone had ever planned for me.”
No regrets for the groom.
“It’s been magical ever since,” said Barker, who delivers fire safety equipment.
The couple married on Sept. 19.
WEDDING VENUE
Vows at St. Barnabas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Bellmore, followed by a ride on a trolley to the reception at the Riviera Waterfront Mansion in Massapequa
HONEYMOON
Aruba
LET’S DANCE
"I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith
FAVE RAVES
Five things Lenz loves about Barker: He’s selfless; kindhearted; accepting of all people; loyal; and hilarious.
Five things Barker loves about Lenz: She’s selfless; family forward; beautiful; has a big heart; and has a personality that everyone loves.
HOME BASE
Massapequa
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