Our love story came full circle on a warm summer night in downtown Minneapolis— where a special promise was made years before. On Valentine’s Day 2022, Derick took Melissa out for a romantic evening in the city. We had steakhouse dinner reservations, enjoyed fancy cocktails, and ended the night at a cozy downtown hotel. That night, Derick gave Melissa a promise ring, vowing that someday, he would ask her to be his wife. Fast forward to July 27, 2024, Derick recreated the night he made his promise to Melissa when he asked for her hand in marriage. We had dinner reservations at The Capital Grille to “celebrate” Derick closing on the sale of his house in Michigan. A couple weeks before, Derick casually brought up going to look at engagement rings (little did Melissa know, he already had the perfect one tucked away—classic Derick). Derrick booked the appointment before our dinner reservations and played along perfectly. He told no one (besides Cameron Kaiser who photographed the proposal) of his plans. Before dinner, he wrapped the ring box in felt and duct tape so it looked like his wallet. We snapped a quick photo downtown in front of a beautiful spot—unknowingly, the exact place where he’d propose just two hours later. After a delicious dinner and some cocktails, we stepped outside to head for boba smoothies (our favorite sweet treat). And right there, outside the restaurant, Derick got down on one knee. Melissa was stunned—and even more stunned when she saw the ring. But it was the easiest "yes" of her life. We celebrated with boba and checked into a suite at the Marriott overlooking the place he proposed. At the hotel bar, Derick finally spilled all the secrets: how he’d designed the ring, planned every little detail, and kept it all a perfect surprise. It was everything we could’ve hoped for—romantic, thoughtful, and very us.