Derek and I have known each other practically our whole lives. We’ve been going to school together since we were in kindergarten. In 5th grade Derek’s first cousin Jamie moved to our town and was also the same age as us. Jamie and I became best friends from that moment on. We became inseparable and I began to go to family parties with her.
It was around then that Derek and I started having eyes for each other. When we were 16 Derek asked me out and we’ve been dating ever since.
As for Jamie we remained best friends till this day and she is the maid of honor in our wedding.
The proposal, best day of my life, took place on 12/13/14.
After 8 years of dating, Derek had the idea to do a Christmas dinner together instead of buying each other a Christmas gift. He suggested we go eat at The Liberty House in Jersey City, which is where we had our senior prom. We sat down for a beautiful dinner and enjoyed the night. After dinner he urged we go for a walk along the pier which is what we also did at the end of the night during our senior prom.
As we walked out into the cold he began to tell me how much he loved me, next thing I knew he was on his knee proposing! I was in complete shock and truly had no idea.
As we drove home I called my parents to tell them the wonderful news. I asked him to take me to see all of our families and friends because I couldn’t wait to tell everyone! We both agreed that our first stop would be at his mom’s house. As we drove down his block I saw all cars parked outside his house. Me being naive I asked what they were all doing there, his response “I don’t know kris, someones probably having a Christmas party” and I believed him! We pulled into his driveway and I ran up the stairs, threw open the door to his house and there standing was both our families and friends screaming SURPRISE!! He had told everyone months prior to our proposal and both our families told me how excited and anxious he was to propose. Our proposal was more than I could ever dream of. With the help of our family and friends we celebrated the whole night to our engagement.
Photos by Nicole Detone Photography