We get it, you have no idea how we got here... and so quickly at that! But as most couples, our story is our favorite. We first met at a friends house and if you're asking Derek he'd tell you he knew right away that we were going to get married. As for myself, I was not so sure. We both will admit that the two of us together was a different match, but a very special one. Those who know us, know we enjoy... challenging each other... the conversations we had with one another lead to massive growth and continued growth from both of us. Eventually we fell out of touch for a few months, but God had better plans. During my time in Florida as a travel nurse, as well as the start of the pandemic, God knew it was the perfect time to put Derek back into my life. February 2020 we decided we would start trying to get to know each other again, and just like the first time we both knew this was something special.

This is where the whole thing gets different, this was when the entire world shut down in hopes of protecting each other from the COIVD-19 virus. Of course, this is a devastating virus that has negatively affected our entire world, but for us it was a beautiful gift. Being states apart our social distancing dates were easier than ever. Getting to know each other wasn't just simply because we wanted to, but it became something we needed to stay sane. We finally got to spend time together in Fort Worth and we both knew this was going to different than anything else we've ever known.

Another blessing in disguise COVID-19 gave us was the day I was furloughed from the Children's Hospital I knew and loved. This was the same time we decided the best next step for us, was moving in together May 2020 as I waited for another job that I loved. This was the biggest step either of us have ever, and maybe will ever make for our relationship, and we thank God for the choice we made in doing so.

The rest is pretty typical, we were two people who are madly in love and want the same things out of life. We both want to grow closer in God, and grow to be better individuals. Like I said earlier, Derek likes to say he knew from the beginning that I was the one. I am just personally grateful God placed him in my life so that we could from that day begin to choose one another. Choose to spend each and every day with each other, choose to grow with each other, choose each other.

And we thank God for that.