Derek and I met in October of 2022 on this dating app called Hinge. (I know that’s very 21st century of us). I honestly didn’t think our relationship would make it out of the app at all, but one night Derek got drunk and asked for my number. I decided to oblige him because let’s be honest he was cute and what else did I have going on. We texted for a few days casually until my friends and I were going out on the weekend and I asked what he was up to that night. Like a loser he was just sitting at home alone. I told him he could come hang out with me and my friends that night if he was willing to be our designated driver. Of course he said yes and later that night we had our first date at the Garage Bar downtown along with my friend Ally, who stayed with me to make sure Derek wasn’t too crazy. Needless to say he passed that test with flying colors. We have been smooth sailing since that night. I moved into Derek’s house in Dorr in June of 2023. Derek gained me, but lost a lot of closest space. In October of 2023 we added a furry friend into our household. Walker is our 2 year old golden retriever that we acquired from a family that was looking to re-home him, and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. He fits in perfectly with us and we love him. This one morning in March of 2024 Derek and I decided to take the dog for a hike on a trail near Gun Lake that we liked. Not long into that walk we come upon a blanket and string lights with a bottle of champagne on the side of the trail. Derek starts playing Marry Me by Train as he leads me over to the scene he set up. It took me a minute to realize what was happening but once he got down on one knee, I caught up. He asked me to marry him and I immediately said yes. My mother and sister were there to capture the moment and we had a small celebration with family and friends that night. Now we are set to be married February 7th of 2025 downtown Grand Rapids at the Revel Center and we can’t wait to celebrate with all of you!