Some love stories begin later in life — ours began in the first grade. Back then, we had no idea that the classmate sitting just a few desks away would one day become the love of our life. Over the years, our paths continued to cross, and what started as childhood familiarity slowly grew into something deeper and undeniable. Our first date, however, was far from a fairytale. Nothing went as planned — the kind of night you either laugh about or run from. Luckily, we chose to laugh. That perfectly imperfect beginning became the first sign that with each other, even the messy moments could turn into memories we’d cherish. As our relationship grew, so did our appreciation for one another. I fell in love with Derek’s unwavering support, his constant encouragement, and the way he can make me laugh on even the hardest days. Derek says he loves how beautiful I am — inside and out — and how my presence brings warmth and light into his life. The night he proposed is one we’ll never forget. We were out celebrating my birthday at a restaurant, and Derek had planned to wait until midnight so that the proposal would officially happen on my birthday. But excitement (and time) weren’t on his side — we didn’t make it that late. Instead, he asked the question earlier in the evening, and it turned out to be perfectly us: heartfelt, honest, and unforgettable. From classmates to soulmates, our journey has been filled with laughter, growth, and a love that only strengthens with time. We can’t wait to begin this next chapter surrounded by the people who have been part of our story from the very beginning.