We're Getting Married!

Julianna and her Kappa Delta sorority sisters headed over to the next door Beta Sigma Psi fraternity house for a party. They snuck in through the window as Julianna stepped down into the room, Derek grabbed her hand to help her in on the other side, greeted by a very loud “Hi I’m Jules”. From there Julianna and Derek’s friendship grew, including walking home from Kirkwood together and jumping in the Showalter Fountain- little did they know Derek would be getting down on one knee in that very spot 5 years later. Their story continued through the unexpected. When COVID cut Julianna’s study abroad in Milan short, she and Derek found themselves reunited at the Schutte lake house in Alabama. One evening, after an accidental leap into the sliding glass door and a resulting bloody nose, Derek asked Julianna to be his girlfriend. Soon after, their long distance relationship grew from Columbus and Bloomington to Pittsburgh and Alabama, going back and forth to visit one another for 3 years, with over 100 flights and thousands of miles. They eventually landed together in Chicago, where they live now on the 29th floor with their dog Millie. They enjoy Friday morning lake jumps and watching IU win at local dive bars. This summer, the two visited Bloomington again, returning to the fountain spot where Derek pulled off the surprise engagement with both their families. They later celebrated in Alabama with the ultimate reunion of sorority and fraternity friends. Julianna and Derek are so grateful for all the friends and family that have supported their relationship along the way. They can’t wait to celebrate with you all in Indianapolis next September.