Our story started where all great modern romance novels begin: Bumble. Armed with an irresistible, show-stopping opener — a single “hey” — the digital spark was lit. For our first date, we went to a short story and live poetry reading at a cash-only bar. Naturally, and true to form for anyone who knows Derrick, he showed up with zero cash. Luckily, she covered the tab and decided he was worth a second date anyway.

From that night on, our life together became a continuous journey of discovery, blending our shared loves with the quirks that make us us. We have spent endless weekends bopping along the California coast, stargazing under pitch-black skies in dark sky parks, and jet-setting across five countries. Together, we have embraced the thrill of trying new things — whether that is navigating a hot air balloon ride after a chaotic bout of Montezuma’s Revenge, or Derrick mastering custom cocktail infusions and pickling brines at home while she effortlessly coordinates plans for our entire friend group.

Some of our absolute favorite moments happen around food. We have braved cooking classes together, recreated market dishes back in our kitchen, and visited world-renowned bars where one of us bravely crunched on fried crickets while the other politely passed. Along the way, we learned that whether we are diving into brand-new cultures or savoring our favorite familiar traditions, the best part is simply doing it together.

When it came time for the proposal, we headed right back to the coast where our very first local getaway began. She said yes — and as we look forward to a lifetime of new adventures, shared meals, and unforgettable memories, we cannot wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you!