Our story starts on the 3rd floor of Dressler Hall at Eastern Washington University. We bonded over VeggieTales, our love for food, and cats. After two months of knowing each other, we began dating and were inseparable. The following year we dated long distance, meeting frequently in the mountains at our half way point. It did not take long for us to decide we wanted to live closer once again. So, we both moved to Bellingham and enrolled at Western Washington University. In Bellingham we loved hiking along Chuckanut Drive, enjoying the sunset at Boulevard Park, and snuggling our fur baby (cat) Ivy. Every day together is special whether we are staying at home watching our favorite shows, or downtown with our friends. Each and every guest played a special part in our lives and we look forward to sharing our big day with you all!

Two days before Christmas (and Marki's birthday), Derek took Marki to the edge of the Cascade Mountains, Snoqualmie Falls. This was not uncommon for them to do and Marki assumed it was a trip like any other, little did she know Derek had a plan brewing that would change both of their lives. It was a beautiful day and the waterfall brought many other visitors, so Derek found it difficult to find the perfect time to get on his knee. Luckily, Marki was oblivious to Derek's nerves and simply thought he had to pee. So when Derek did find the perfect spot on the board walk to ask Marki to marry him, she was in complete shock. She even thought he was joking until he took out the box that held his Great Grandma Helen's beautiful ring. Without hesitation, Marki said yes and nearly passed out. Then Derek had to help her walk back to the car because she was so excited.