We're getting married!

Everything happens for a reason, and that's exactly how the story of Melissa and Derek began. They met by nothing short of a coincidence- being at the right place at the right time. During Thanksgiving weekend in 2022, both ended up in the California sand dunes, four hours from home, only to discover they actually lived just 15 minutes apart in the Phoenix area. Derek had decided on a whim to head out to the dunes with his dirt bike to meet a friend he hadn't seen in over a decade. At the same time, Melissa was also at the dunes with a different group of friends when a long-lost friend of Derek's, who was originally supposed to meet him, had their plans fall through and joined Melissa's group instead. When Derek arrived, it felt like something out of a fairytale. Melissa hadn't seen him yet, as everyone was getting their cars and bikes ready to ride. Once they started moving, Derek rips up a wheelie at "olds hill" -already impressive- then proceeds to stand on the seat! She thought of course this guy is a professional, or crazy?? Maybe both?? They then stopped the cars for a break, Derek takes off his helmet, Melissa laid eyes on him and the rest is history. After brief introductions, and some small talk the rest of the weekend, they knew something sparked between the two but didn't think anything of it. Over a month goes by and they finally connect in Phoenix after Christmas and have been inseparable ever since.