Derek and Kristen first met on an online dating app in early 2021. With Covid restrictions, Derek found a creative way to ask Kristen out on their first date. A local restaurant had portable fish houses set up for people to dine outside. Derek used this as a first date opportunity. With the light of Derek's cell phone and a portable heater, Derek and Kristen chatted for hours. They continued to enjoy getting to know each other through hiking, camping on the North Shore, cooking, and board games.

On one of Derek and Kristen's first camping trips to the North Shore, Kristen had mentioned to Derek that her favorite spot was Shovel Point at Tettegouche State Park. Derek took note, and two years later planned a camping trip to Tettegouche and proposed to Kristen at Shovel Point. Now it's both of their favorite spots.