Our story began in the halls of Century Junior High when we were just 14 years old. Despite our lockers being just a few steps apart, nerves kept us from talking to each other. It wasn’t until our sophomore year, during Spanish class, that we finally connected.

I was a wrestling manager, and Derrick was the team captain. We spent hours together at practices and matches, and over time, our friendship blossomed. We supported each other through school, sports, and life, and our bond grew stronger with each passing day.

The summer of 2019 marked the official start of our relationship. Derrick was out selling football cards in my neighborhood and stopped by my house. That’s when he asked me out on our first date. We went paddleboarding at my family’s house and discovered a small beach across the lake. Sitting there on the sand, we held hands for the first time—marking the moment our forever began.

Fast forward five years to the late summer of our senior year in college. We were back in Forest Lake, our hometown, and Derrick planned a paddleboard date to that same beach. After reminiscing and laughing about the two kids who once sat on that beach, Derrick got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

And so, our story continues, filled with laughter, love, and the grace of God, as we embrace the promise of forever. <3