Derek and Courtney met while attending University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Courtney was a junior studying elementary-middle education with a minor in dance. Derek was a sophomore studying finance. They exchanged numbers around the Thanksgiving Holiday, and after several weeks of talking about movies, family, and school, Derek finally convinced Courtney to go on a study date at the library after one of her late dance rehearsals. Tired, sweaty, and needing to get homework done, Courtney showed up to meet Derek. Where they studied for about two hours, and maybe said five words to one another. Conversations continued on as the winter finals approached. Derek and Courtney meet once in a while for movies and coffee dates. As the New Year approached, Derek was eager to have Courtney be his New Year’s kiss. So, Courtney traveled from Mukwonago to Sheboygan to join Derek and his friends for the holiday events, consisting of pool, darts, and games. Once back at school Derek and Courtney were eager to catch up. Unfortunately, one night, Courtney’s car broke down in the middle of a rain storm, causing Derek to work with her father and brother in pushing the car from the middle of downtown Whitewater back to her apartment. This truly convinced Courtney that Derek was something special. A few weeks later Derek asked Courtney to be his girlfriend (1/20/17). Since then Derek and Courtney have continued to grow and learn to love one another. Eventually leading to Derek's proposal. It was over Memorial Day weekend this past May that he finally popped the big question. After five years, he finally grew the courage to ask Courtney (and her father!) for her hand in marriage. While Courtney went with her family on a pontoon ride, Derek armed himself with a ring and something that was truly special to both of us. Derek pulled Courtney onto the pier and first handed her a dime; he always gives her his dimes since she is his. Then, Derek got down on one knee and asked Courtney to be his wife. She said yes and now their new journey begins.