We're getting married!

Derek and Rachel met at a party through a mutual friend (thanks Cait!) in January 2017. After a few months of getting to know one another, they began dating in April 2017. Over the next few years, many milestones were made such as moving in together, bringing home their labradoodle-mix pup named Charlotte and starting new jobs they were both excited about. Many memories were also made such as birthdays and holidays spent with friends and family, traveling to new places and countless date nights.

In December 2019, Derek and Rachel visited family in Coos Bay for Christmas. Even though it was raining, Derek's mom insisted on getting a family portrait at Shore Acres, a coastal state park that decorates their gardens with thousands of Christmas lights each year. Derek's family left first while the two of them got coffee on the way and listened to some of their favorite songs that reminded them of one another. Derek said his family would be waiting under the gazebo but no was there. After a minute of lingering, Derek finally got the nerve to get down on one knee with his grandmother's ring asking Rachel to spend the rest of his life with her. Wiping away plenty of tears, Rachel said YES! Derek twirled her around to surprise her with all of their friends and family in the cottage behind them. The rest of the evening was spent celebrating their engagement with their loved ones looking forward to their happily ever after.