After 7 years together, they have finally set a date to make it official! Derek and Jess met in August of 2012 with the help of an online dating app. They took the leap to move from cyber space to the real world, when Derek asked Jessica to go out for dinner. Their first date was not what one would call picture perfect, but the kiss goodnight ensured a second date call back. On September 19th 2012 they made their relationship exclusive and will give their vows on their 8 year anniversary.

After Derek's parents invited the couple on a trip to Vegas, Derek came up with a plan to purpose on the trip. He and his dad went out looking for the perfect ring. The night before Debbie came over with a cover story to get a ring size from an unsuspecting Jessica. The day he picked up the ring he went to work at the fire station and had to show it off to his buddies who offered their approval and ideas on how to pop the question. Fast forward to the Trip to Vegas for the NASCAR races. Derek was pretty nervous and had carried the ring around in his pocket for 2 days waiting for the right moment. He chickened out the night before. The day of the proposal, he and Deb were talking in the hotel room about the proposal while Jessica was unaware in the bathroom getting ready for the day. The group went out for a walk on the strip to find food before the races, and Derek asked to have a picture taken in front of the waterfall at the Mirage Hotel. This should have been a clue for Jessica as Derek never wants his picture taken. Jessica remembers Deb saying she couldn't get the video working (another clue) then Derek turns, pulls out the ring and says "You know I love you. Will you marry me" Through the tears Jessica said "Are you serious? I won't give you an answer until you get down on your knee." So he did and she said YES!