We met during our senior year at the University of Rhode Island. A year and a half after graduation, Nicole (my trusty bridesmaid) encouraged me to reach out to Derrick and catch up, as the three of us hadn't stayed in touch since URI. We all went on a hike to Sleeping Giant in Hamden, CT and the rest is history.

At our beautiful friends wedding in Newport the night before, Derrick asked me if I wanted to wake up for the 4:30am sunrise. I initially said yes, but 4:30am came quick, which made me regret my decision. I finally got up after several words of encouragement and Derrick took me to the Cliff Walk. We were the only ones there and the sunrise was absolutely breathtaking. After a few minutes of watching the sunrise, Derrick fumbled the ring out of his pocket and got down on one knee to ask me to marry him. I quickly threw everything in my hand to the side in complete disbelief that this was actually happening! He asked me if I remembered what we did on July 3, 2019, to which I said uhhhh no, and he reminded me that was the day I sold our couch to a VERY pregnant woman and volunteered Derrick and I to deliver it to a third floor apartment with no elevator and tiny stairwells. He said that was the day he knew he was going to marry me because we would always challenge each other and live life to the fullest.

One of the most important things that we cherish in our relationship is that Derrick was able to meet my Dad and get to know him before he passed away in 2019. My Dad's favorite thing was to call him DJ or D-Ricky (which is now carried on by my siblings). He loved to spend time talking with him about the future, our house, cars, and anything that sparked his interest. Unbeknownst to me, before my Dad passed away he had a conversation with Derrick about marrying me. We miss him always, but feel beyond blessed to know that he was able to see us happy together and to give Derrick his approval.