Erika Hammond

Episode 13 Erika Hammond

On this episode of Weddings-ish with Jove, we welcome Erika Hammond, former WWE Diva, co-founder of Rumble, and creator of Equinox's boxing program. Hailing from Waco, Texas, Erika moved to LA to start a modeling career, where she began embracing many unexpected opportunities. Erika shares how she was cast as a WWE Diva, initially thinking she would be a host. However, when the casting team saw how athletic she was, they wanted her in the ring. For two years, Erika took on the WWE world as her alter-ego Veronica Lane. She lived in Florida during this time until a torn meniscus, caused by a maneuver called the "Back Breaker," brought her back to "normal life."

Erika decided to return to LA and start a new chapter. Having started boxing for fun at 14, a sport she found empowering as a woman, she entered the fitness boxing world in LA as a trainer. She quickly became a top trainer, and her eventual partner contacted her about starting "Rumble" in NYC. Two weeks later, she was on board. Always open to new opportunities, Erika embraced Rumble, which was sold as a franchise in 2021 and can now be found all over the US. She then moved onto Equinox, where she developed their shadow-boxing program ‘Knockout.’

Jove and Erika also chat about her love story with her husband Ankur Jain. She met him while teaching a Rumble class when they were both in other relationships. A few years later, they found themselves as students in the same class. She was completely surprised when he asked her to drinks at the Edition right after class. Despite their sweaty clothes, they went for drinks and fell in love during COVID, FaceTiming for three months of quarantine. Erika shares the story of her amazing proposal. Her husband proposed at Summit, where she thought she was attending a holiday party. Ankur pulled out all the stops, even hiring actors to keep Erika believing she was attending a party, only to find out she was being proposed to, with her friends and family waiting in the wings.

Jacquies, their French bulldog, made a grand entrance in a bow tie, adding an adorable touch to the occasion. Her fiancé had set up different stations representing various memories they shared, including the dirty martinis they first enjoyed at the Edition. Erika was completely surprised by the grand gesture, but she had made sure her fiancé knew exactly which ring she wanted. The couple promised each other to enjoy a month of their engagement before diving into wedding planning, savoring the special moment and their commitment to one another.

Their magical trip to Egypt to visit Ankur’s archaeologist friend Dr. Zahi Hawass marked the beginning of their wedding planning. Zahi expressed his desire to officiate their wedding, and the rest is history. They were married right in front of the Sphinx, aiming to create an extraordinary experience for their 130 guests, comprising the special people who had supported them throughout their relationship. Despite the Pyramids closing every day at 4 pm, this was the first-ever private event held at the site.

The ceremony took place on a circular platform, with just the two of them. The production spanned three different locations within the Pyramids, with circles continuing as a theme in the design to represent eternity. The festivities were epic, even featuring fireworks, making the event truly unforgettable.

Erika recalls how stressful the planning process was, a sentiment Jove, who is currently going through the same experience, can relate to! Both Erika and her fiancé were deeply involved in the planning. He focused on the macro-level details, while she handled the micro-level aspects. Erika used Pinterest to gather ideas, drawing inspiration from Egypt for her all-gold wardrobe. She collaborated with a designer to incorporate her husband's Indian culture into the festivities, creating a beautiful fusion of their backgrounds.

Erika talks about the nerve-wracking experience of trying on her dress only a week before the wedding. Despite the challenges, she and her fiancé found a way to make their wedding uniquely theirs. Each event was designed to give their guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Egypt, including a tour of the then-unopened new Egyptian museum.

Before the main event, they hosted a pre-party in South Africa with 75 of their guests. However, they almost missed their own welcome drinks in Egypt when the chartered flight from South Africa lacked the necessary permits to pick them up. At one point, they were at risk of not making it to their own wedding. Fortunately, their friends and family pulled out all the stops. After getting ready on the plane, they arrived at their welcome drinks at 2:30 am—a moment Erika fondly remembers as it highlighted the support and excitement of their closest loved ones.

“I wasn't a bridezilla until a month before the wedding”

Erika on being a relaxed bride a month before the wedding.

The wedding festivities included boating on the Nile to a private island brunch, a tour of the new Egyptian museum, and a private tour of the Pyramids, all culminating in their unforgettable wedding ceremony.

Jove asks Erika what advice she would give to someone planning their wedding. She suggests taking a deep breath before pressing send and being present in the moment. Erika also warns about the wedding blues she experienced afterward, saying, "You work so long and hard, and then you cry."

Jove then asks if she is a dog or cat person, and Erika enthusiastically replies that she is most definitely a dog person. When asked about her favorite snack food, she reveals it’s chips and queso. Her go-to karaoke song? Adele! To stay positive on a hard day, Erika turns to working out.

You can find Erika on her instagram HERE or the Strong by Erika! Or take a Knockout class with her at Equinox!

Sloan joins Jove for the "Ask Jove" segment, where Ryan from San Francisco asks how they can make their special day more sustainable! Tune in to hear his tips!

*** SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES HERE  OR WATCH VIA LOVE STORIES TV HERE***

LISTEN NOW!