Our story began in the most unexpected of places, a bathroom line at a bar in Orlando. We instantly recognized each other from just weeks before when we sat across from one another at what would become our favorite Starbucks (lots of love to Colonia Plaza). It was the summer of 2016, just after the Pulse nightclub tragedy. It was a complex and emotional time, and like many, we were searching for connection, comfort, and something to hold on to. What we found in each other was just that.

From our very first date, something felt different, easy, familiar, and full of potential… and shockingly, neither of us tried to awkwardly escape through a bathroom window. We quickly discovered we were both born in Pittsburgh, and even more meaningfully, we shared the same dreams: a desire for adventure, a love of travel, and deep connections with the people around us. Our values lined up so naturally, and our future goals just kind of clicked; like they'd always been part of the same plan.

As our relationship grew, so did our love. Movie nights, Christmas traditions, spontaneous getaways, and quiet evenings at home became the threads that wove our lives together. In 2018, we took the next step and moved in together. Tight corners in David’s little bungalow could have quickly turned bad, so we found a place to truly make our own, a home where we could build a life together. With our little dog Tucker (forever in our hearts), we filled that space with laughter, warmth, lots of Christmas trees, and the people we love.

Travel became one of the great joys of our relationship. From Pride celebrations around the country to our annual Winter trips, to breathtaking trips across Europe and two amazing visits to Hawaii, each one of these adventures brought us closer. We can’t forget the countless cruises Derek’s forced David to go (he secretly enjoys them too)! Travel is, and always will be, one of the strongest threads in our story.

After many wonderful years in Orlando, life brought us a new adventure: Tampa. It wasn’t easy leaving a city that held so much of our history, but we were ready to embrace the change. This past year, we made another dream come true by building our first home together—an expression of everything we’ve created as a couple. Today, we spend our days enjoying the little things: our pool, new restaurants, fitness goals, and of course, decorating a lot for Christmas.

Through the years, we've stood beside each other through career changes, new cities, heartache and healing, and all the beautiful moments in between. We’ve built a life rooted in laughter, loyalty, and love. And now, we couldn’t be more excited to begin the next chapter—celebrating our love surrounded by the friends and family who have walked this journey with us.