Julie's Version:

It was October 31, 2022. I had been to the doctor that day due to abdominal pain, later learning that I would need my gallbladder out. I wasn't feeling the best, but it was Halloween, and I did not want to sit at home alone. I was invited to attend a gathering of friends whom I had known the majority of my life through church for a night of pizza and trick or treating around the neighborhood. I had no one to impress, so I wore my Birkenstock sandals, baggy jeans, and an old t-shirt with Dolly Parton on it. Something good always happens when you wear a Dolly shirt! My dating life at the time was non-existent and that is exactly what I told the ladies when they asked me if I was seeing anyone. While having the discussion about my dating life one of the women spoke up and said, "We should introduce her to Derek!" After she spoke all GOOD and POSITIVE things about Derek I agreed to meet him, but only if it was in a group setting. I wasn't opposed to a blind date, but I wanted to meet this man before I decided if I wanted to go on a date with him. The ladies were scheming how they could make a date happen when one of their spouses walked in and suggested calling to invite him over, and that is exactly what happened! Derek accepted the invitation and came over to join in on the Halloween fun. Everyone knew it was a setup except for Derek. He arrived at the house and we were introduced in the driveway before heading out to trick or treat. I kept my distance from him most of the time as I did not want him to think I was weird or trying to "make a move", but I could tell I was drawn to him and his fun personality. He seemed kind and genuine and everyone loved him! Once all the fun was over I went back to my friend Susan's house to get my car (she lives in the same neighborhood). I remember standing on her porch telling her that I thought Derek was a great guy, and I needed to go for it. Good thing I didn't have to make the first move because Derek beat me to it and had already gotten my number and text me! A week later we went on our first date at Cheddar's and officially started dating on November 21, 2022. The rest is history!

Derek's Version:

It was a normal day for me. I had went to work and came home that evening to make myself tacos for dinner. I had just settled into my recliner for a night of relaxation when my cousin Donnie called and invited me to come to his brother's house to go trick or treating and hang out. I didn't want to seem lame for declining the invite so I went. I made it to the house just in time to join the group when they started to walk around the neighborhood. That’s when they introduced me to Julie. Acting my normal self I said hello and shook her hand. We all walked around the neighborhood and at one point I tried talking to Julie but she was being stand off ish, so I continued walking with the group. When we got back to the house some of us were hanging out on the porch including Julie. My cousin Donnie dared me to put on a wig and go outside with it on. Looking at Julie’s face, I was sure she thought I was weirdo. We all moved back inside, that’s when Julie decided she was going to leave. Once she had left, Amanda and Tracie (my cousins wives) came up to me and asked what I thought about Julie. That’s when I knew it was a set-up, and that I had a fast one pulled on me. The kids were in on it too and insisted I get Julie’s number and text her, so that’s what I did! She had been gone less than 30 minutes and I text her. It worked because she responded. Look at us now!

D&J

Our Wedding Day!