we're getting married

After connecting on Hinge, Derek couldn't wait to call Kathleen claiming he was captivated by her smile. Our first conversation lasted for hours, and it was clear there was something special between us. Our first official date came quickly, and from there, our romance took off like a whirlwind. We hard launched at the Kentucky Derby and have been inseparable ever since. Just a month into dating, Derek asked Kathleen to officially be his girlfriend during a getaway in San Antonio and it wasn't long after that we exchanged those three little words. Five months into our life together, we celebrate Derek's 30th birthday in Greece. We immersed ourselves in cooking classes, relaxed on sun-drenched beaches, and got lost in the charm of the local streets. Returning home, we felt ready for the next step and decided to move in together! Life had other plans – Kathleen was laid off, followed shortly by Derek losing his job. Despite the uncertainty, this challenge brought us closer and inspired us to start our own business together in January 2020. Since then we have renovated over 100 homes, including our own, and have had the luxury of building a life we love together. During a road trip through Oregon and surrounded by towering redwoods, Derek got down on one knee, and Kathleen said YES! We continued our adventure with a thrilling repel down to a secluded beach, where we celebrated with a romantic picnic. We are grateful for the journey that led us to this unforgettable moment and are beyond excited to officially take the next step in our life together, surrounded by those we love most, as HUSBAND and WIFE!