Derek and I have a modern love story (i.e., we met online through a dating app). Our first date took place at the food truck festival in Bismarck. Derek did most of the talking, but he was so honest and transparent about his life that I was intrigued and wanted to know more and more about him.

We quickly found out that I already knew his mom as she is a speech-language pathologist as well. I actually shadowed her for two weeks during an internship the summer before I met Derek. Supposedly she wanted to show him pictures of me and he turned her down (the audacity). It is fun to have connections to each other even though we were strangers that met online.

We both have come to learn that our story is a testament to how perfect God's timing is. Three years ago, I was living in Colorado with no immediate plans to move back to North Dakota. Thankfully, God closed several doors to bring me back home so I could meet and fall in love with my future husband. We met at the perfect time and connected deeply based on our mutual love for the Lord and the desire to live our lives according to His will.

Derek proposed one day short of the anniversary of our first date. It was the most beautiful, serene setting in Medora ND at sunset. Even though I knew exactly when it was going to happen (he is VERY bad at keeping secrets), I still cried as soon as I saw him get down on one knee because God had answered my prayers in such a beautiful way to provide a kind, loving, and God-fearing husband.

We are so excited to celebrate our marriage with our friends and family and can't wait to see you all!