Kara and Derek met in college at the University of Vermont through their mutual friend and officiant of their wedding, Rachael (aka Rakel). It wasn't until the beginning of senior year that Derek got up the courage to ask Kara out on a date. He planned a hike out to a surprise waterfront picnic on the cliffs at Red Rocks park in Burlington. They soon discovered their mutual love for cooking elaborate meals, drinking good beer, and watching The Office on repeat. Kara took some convincing since she was set on moving to Wisconsin for grad school, but luckily Derek was patient and never gave up. The rest is history!

Derek surprised Kara with a weekend trip to Acadia, Maine for their anniversary. Although Kara was a little suspicious at first, this type of gesture is not totally out of character for Derek. Derek knew this was the weekend he was going to propose, but he wanted to wait for the perfect moment. He decided on a beautiful vista along one of Kara's favorite hikes from her family's annual trips to Acadia growing up. Derek took advantage of the perfect spot and moment, and Kara said yes! They spent the rest of the weekend celebrating with some of their favorite activities - a bike ride, trip to a brewery, sunset cheese board, and cooking dinner together.