Our story is a true testament of how important it is to trust in God’s plan for us, even when it seems like everything is going wrong.

In the summer of 2022, Derek moved away from his hometown of Akron, Ohio to Pittsburgh. He only knew his roommates, and had never been to the city before, but he was hoping this would give him a fresh start in life. Around the same time, Robin left her full time job for a mental health refresh and to figure out what she wanted to do with her future.

Robin and Derek both ended up with jobs at a bar in the North Shore of Pittsburgh. Derek was the loud, outgoing bartender that was friends with everyone. Robin was a bit more on the shy side, but that didn’t stop Derek from inviting her out for drinks after work one night. He was very adamant about taking her out to a steak dinner sometime. Their first date was just a few days later on October 3rd at City Works. Neither one had any idea that they would meet The One, but before they knew it they were spending every day together. Being inseparable combined with their similar values in life, it’s no surprise the talk of marriage and a life together quickly began.

Robin is very close with her family, so it was important for Derek to form a close relationship and bond with them. He did so with many nights of drinks and cards against humanity with her family and their neighbors.

When it came time to propose, Derek wanted it to be special and intimate to their relationship. He managed to convince her to head over to the neighbors house for a few drinks and games after work. Robin didn’t suspect a thing, her hair was still wet from the shower wearing sweatpants and an old t-shirt; Definitely not the typical proposal outfit. Everyone began playing cards against humanity like it was just another Saturday night. Then Robin’s mom read a card that said “What’s the craziest thing to happen on our street?” Her father began reading all the response cards everyone else gave in. The very last one said, “My daughter getting proposed to.” A moment of confusion crossed Robin’s mind because that is definitely not one of the usual cards. Then she realized what was happening and her draw dropped. She turned around and Derek was on one knee holding the ring.

Wedding planning began but the excitement in their lives didn’t end there. Early in the summer of 2023, Derek received full custody of his daughter, Camilla, a battle he had been fighting before he ever met Robin. Robin decided to leave her job to stay at home for a few weeks and bond with her new daughter before starting a new job and classes part-time. Derek also landed an amazing new career that affords him the ability to support his family and save their future lives together.

This life together has been a journey full of blessings, and we are so excited to enter the next chapter of our lives with all of our favorite people.