Their journey began as SFJayhawk and madstarSF. Derek and Melissa were two wandering souls seeking love on the OKCupid dating website. He loved her profile's care-free spirit and positivity. She loved his optimism and humor. After some messaging, they both agreed that two people willing to list Neil Diamond as one of their favorite artists in a dating profile just had to meet in person. So, one foggy evening in April, they met for a cocktail (or three) at The Alembic on Haight Street and discussed their love for music, travel, exchanged high fives, and she educated him on gin cocktails. They had a follow-up date a few days later, and then again a few days after that. They've been inseparable ever since.

They celebrated their one month anniversary discussing how amazing a trip to Ireland would be, and their two month anniversary making that trip a reality. Over pints of Guinness and Van Morrison cover songs in the background, they discussed their passions of the past, dreams for the future, and recognized their 99% match rating on OKCupid wasn't just a number, but a reflection of two souls destined for one another. Since that trip, they've traveled across California, and the world, hop-skipping from one fantastic adventure to the next.

The proposal occurred on the eve of Christmas Eve. He spontaneously suggested they open stockings a days early. She confusingly looked at him, but obliged, and as they began digging into their stockings full of oranges, gum, and quarters, she felt something small and square. As she felt the texture, a spark popped in her mind, she curiously removed it, then was surprised to see that it was a package of handmade lavender-honey soap. She giggled, thanked him, continued removing trinkets until at the bottom of the stocking she found a View-Master. She excitedly gazed into it, and with every click she was greeted by picture after picture of their adventures together. Eventually she reached a slide that said "Will you marry me?" Following a gasp of excitement, Melissa removed the View-Master to see Derek holding a ring. "Yes!"

The rest is history.