The buzz is Derek and Chelsea “matched” around Thanksgiving in 2020 on the dating app Bumble. However, they truly formed their connection once they FaceTimed, before their first date on Dec 3, 2020. Originally scheduled to go country line dancing (the weather had other plans), Derek and Chelsea ended up at their now favorite restaurant, Antonello’s, where they had nonstop conversation. Chelsea recalls an overwhelming feeling while driving to Antonello’s and thinking it could possibly be the last first date she has because she knew there was something special about Derek. As Chelsea approached the front entrance of the restaurant, Derek was already there (early as always) and greeted her with a hug. It wasn’t until their third date while shopping at South Coast Plaza after church, Derek asked permission to hold her hand. They have been inseparable ever since!

On January 22, 2023, Derek and Chelsea attended church at Mariners of Irvine, followed by brunch with her parents. The previous Thursday, Chelsea's sister, Hollie, arranged a time for her and Chelsea to get their nails done. After letting some time pass, Chelsea confessed she suspected a proposal and that she was trying to get Derek to spill the beans. That Friday, January 20, 2023, Derek's sister had extended an invitation for Derek and Chelsea to participate in a photo shoot to celebrate the first birthday of Olivia, Derek's niece, in Laguna Beach on Sunday afternoon. Chelsea became very suspicious and attempted to catch Derek in his plans by asking if they could forgo the photo shoot and stay home to do homework and rest for the upcoming week. To Chelsea's surprise, Derek agreed, and the plans to go to Laguna were off. After letting some time pass, Chelsea expressed to Derek all her thoughts and hoped that a proposal was happening that weekend. She felt bad for canceling, and the plans to attend Olivia's birthday photo shoot at the beach were back on. Derek knew he had gotten her to let go of her suspicions, and the plan to surprise her was in motion. When Derek and Chelsea arrived at Table Rock Beach in Laguna, the sun was getting close to setting. They had walked to where his sister said they would be and spotted a beautiful setup that Chelsea didn't realize was for her. As soon as Derek pointed it out and wanted to go look at it, Chelsea knew the moment was happening and became overwhelmed with tears of joy. With nearly 200 white roses positioned in the sand paired with the couple's favorite colored pillows and beachy scene, Derek got down on one knee. He asked Chelsea to marry him, and she ecstatically said YES! The surprises continued with Hollie, her sister being there to support at the moment, followed by a dinner at Nicks in Laguna Beach with both our families.

In preparing for marriage, Chelsea and Derek have prayed over a variety of verses that would serve as their relationship and future family's foundation in faith to make decisions, process challenges, and bring praise to the Lord in all they aspire to do as a couple. Their family verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 (5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings; (6) to all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.