Derrick and I met at Band Camp the Summer before Freshman year. Being two of the four saxophones in the Freshman class, we became friends. Our friendship grew quickly, and we officially began dating on October 18th, 2014.

After graduating high school, we soaked up the Summer in educational freedom… that is until college. I attended Charleston Southern University and Derrick attended The Citadel. Even though both of our schools were only miles away from our childhood homes, we rarely got to see each other- especially his Knob year. The strenuous nature of his school and the Army and my many practicums and teaching internships kept us wholly occupied.

We both graduated in May of 2021 and Derrick commissioned as an officer in the Army. With job offers in hand, we were excited for the future. Life moved so quickly. In the short time period from May to November (six months!) of that year we moved into our first apartment, rescued Koda, eloped, and bought our first home. We felt so lucky to be able to celebrate our first Thanksgiving and Christmas as a married couple in our first home.

Soon, Derrick left for flight school at Ft. Novosel, Alabama in March 2022 and was not set to come back home for 18 months. He learned so much to become a great pilot and to serve our country, and he made some of his closest friends. He graduated in July 2023 and came home to Charleston on his birthday.

We quickly moved back into our house and have worked hard to build it into our home. Derrick got a job in Columbia working full time for the Army National Guard, and again our life changed. We recently bought a second home in Columbia to make this transition easier.

Reflecting on the events of our relationship, it has become clear to us that we have been through so much in the past 10 years of our lives. We are amazed every day at what we have accomplished separately and together, what we have overcome, and how we have grown together. Our excitement comes with knowing that we have so much more to do and experience together.

In May, we will finally be celebrating our 3 years of marriage with a ceremony. We cannot wait for you to join us!

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