We first met in 2019, shortly after graduating, at a Christmas party Ida hosted at her college apartment, where Derek was invited by a mutual friend. After introducing himself, sparks flew almost instantly, and we spent the rest of the evening talking only to each other—so much so that our friends couldn’t help but notice and start asking about our connection. We exchanged numbers and soon went on our first date. What started as drinks turned into dessert, and neither of us wanted the night to end. We spent hours afterward wandering around campus, sharing stories and getting to know each other. To this day, we both agree it was the best first date we’ve ever had. Although we stayed in touch, life took us in different directions. New cities and the start of the pandemic made the timing less than ideal. We decided to remain friends, keeping up with each other over the years through messages and shared laughs on social media. Four years later, Derek started a new job that brought him to Dallas, where Ida was living. Still unable to forget about her, he took a chance and asked her out while he was in town. She said yes, and when we saw each other again, it felt like no time had passed at all. From there, we made the most of every visit until, in September 2023, we officially began dating, despite the distance. A year later, Derek moved to Dallas to be closer to Ida, and in September 2025, he surprised her with a proposal at the Dallas Arboretum. It was the easiest “yes,” and we’ve been excitedly planning this next chapter ever since!