Our love story began online in December 2023, when we found each other at the unexpected but perfectly right time. For our first date, Derek made reservations at The Pickwick in Duluth and told me to dress nicely. The awkwardness and nerves quickly faded; we didn’t want the night to end, so we went to Wild State Cider, my favorite, and bonded even more. We texted constantly, and on our third date Derek popped the question, “Will you be my girlfriend?” He surprised me with a beautiful necklace he’d hidden in his pocket until dinner, a sweet hint of things to come. Our love grew quickly and strongly. We spent every moment we could together—Derek cooking dinners, long walks near Lake Superior, and lazy evenings in my studio at the Vue. We planned to move in when the right one-bedroom opened up, and in August 2024 we started the next chapter by making our first home together. Our routines and traditions blended naturally as we built a life side by side. On Labor Day weekend 2025 Derek asked the bigger question, “Will you marry me?” He’d bought the ring months earlier but kept the surprise. He proposed at Leif Erickson Park on the shores of Lake Superior on a warm, beautiful August day, surrounded by our cherished families. It was perfect. Every day we find new reasons to love each other more. We’re so excited to become one in marriage, continue growing together, and celebrate with you.