It all started with a Facebook message.
One day in 2019, Derek slid into Bri’s DMs, and she instantly thought, “Okay… he’s cute.” Naturally, she started what she calls a friendly research mission and went through his profile immediately. After a few days of chatting, he asked her out on a date, and they chose Capers and Lemons, a restaurant they had both been to before.
Derek offered to pick her up like a true gentleman. But Bri, being the cautious and smart woman she is, decided to drive herself. Internet people can be wild. She remembers seeing Derek walking toward the entrance before he even spotted her and instantly thinking he looked just as good in person. But more than that, there was something calming about his presence. They met at six in the evening and ended up talking and laughing until well past midnight. When the restaurant finally closed, they sat in his car just to keep the conversation going. Derek even tried to kiss her that night. It did not happen, but the energy between them was real.
From that night on, their story began. There were a few pauses and moments where life got in the way, but Bri knew from day one that Derek was different. His smile stayed with her. He was thoughtful, present, and he made her feel seen. Before their first date, Bri had even read about Asperger’s and expected a little awkwardness. But Derek was surprisingly grounded and easy to talk to. He made her feel comfortable in a way that caught her off guard.
When Derek met Bri’s parents, it was a cozy movie night at home. Her mom already knew how much she liked him and welcomed him warmly. Her dad, being playful, gave Derek a little trouble about sitting too close to his daughter. Bri wishes Derek had more time with her dad before he passed, but the few moments they did share were meaningful. Her friends saw what she saw. They knew right away that Derek was a good man who treated her with care and real interest.
Their bond became even stronger during the most difficult season of Bri’s life. When her father became ill, she felt something inside tell her to reach out to Derek. They were not in regular contact at that point, but something about his presence felt safe. He showed up right away. He supported her through her grief, checked on her constantly, and was by her side at the funeral. His love gave her light in the middle of darkness. It was during that time that they agreed to stop walking away from each other. No more breaks. They chose each other fully, and they never looked back.
Derek, once he lets his guard down, is incredibly goofy. He is thoughtful and structured, but also silly in the best way. Bri is the more emotional one, the deep thinker, and the more outgoing of the two. But together, they balance each other. Both of them are neurodivergent in their own ways, which helps them connect on a level that feels natural and comforting.
They check in on each other every day. They laugh a lot. They push each other to grow. Derek is always trying to get Bri to start a new business idea, even ones he would never personally do himself. And Bri has a way of gently encouraging Derek to step out of his comfort zone. They love hard and hold each other accountable. Some of their inside jokes include Derek calling Bri his chocolate bunny and his obsession with cheek to cheek cuddles. Her face is a special interest of his, which she finds weird and adorable all at once.
There have been challenges, but they show up for each other without making excuses. They listen. They call each other higher. They believe in legacy. Derek has supported Bri’s photography business from the start, and she has stood by him through investments and big decisions. At one point, Bri even cleaned and organized his entire house from top to bottom just to make his life a little easier. Derek brags about her cooking all the time, even when it is something simple. He loves that it came from her.
One of the most meaningful things Derek has done is buy a home walking distance from Bri’s mother. He knew how close they were, especially after the loss of her father, and wanted Bri to be able to check in on her with ease. That gesture meant everything.
Their love for family runs deep. In 2023, they spent Thanksgiving with Bri’s dad’s side of the family, and some of her cousins joked that Derek looked like a younger version of her father. In 2024, they traveled to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with Derek’s family and had a beautiful time. They both deeply appreciate each other’s people, and that love is reflected in everything they do.
Valentine’s Day 2024 brought the official proposal. Derek took Bri back to the restaurant where it all started. He had originally planned to propose during her birthday trip to Mexico in December, but something told him to wait and do it at the place that marked the beginning. During dinner, he turned to her and started telling her how much she meant to him. He pulled out the ring box while sitting right next to her, and the whole restaurant cheered. Bri was so overcome with joy, she forgot to say yes and just hugged him. It was beautiful, real, and perfect.
Later that year, they celebrated with an engagement dinner at Derek’s Aunt Chrissy’s house. It was their first event honoring their upcoming marriage, and it meant so much to be surrounded by love and support. That night marked the beginning of their celebration season.
Then came March of 2025. During their wedding party proposal, Derek shared the story of their first date and first proposal in front of friends and family. This time, he got down on one knee with the ring Bri wears now and asked her all over again. That moment, on March first, was even more special. It felt like everything was finally in place.
Originally, they planned to get married in August of 2025. But wedding planning is no joke, and they made the decision to move the date back. It turned out to be the best decision. It gave them more space to plan intentionally and create an experience that truly reflects who they are.
Today, Bri says that home means having Derek by her side. She loves loving him. She loves watching him flourish as a man and a future father. Derek says he loves taking care of his bunny. They are excited to build their family, grow their businesses, and live life with purpose and joy.
If their love story were a movie, they already know the title.
We Are Enough.