It all began with a message Samantha sent Derek on Hinge: "Hey, what's your dog's name?" (Lobo!)
Their first date was a casual coffee date at Starbucks. The next day, Derek tested positive for COVID, so the first few weeks of their courtship were virtual dates playing video games together.
February 15, 2022
Derek and Samantha were "official" soon thereafter and Samantha finally got to meet Lobo (once Derek's quarantine period was over!).
June 14, 2026
Almost immediately after becoming boyfriend/girlfriend, Samantha decided to throw Derek to the sharks by introducing him to her UNC friends all at once! They had a lovely weekend at Lake Norman (and only lost a few pairs of glasses…).
Over the next months, Derek and Samantha spent their time meeting each other’s families, hanging out with new friends, taking long walks with Lobo, and exploring shared hobbies.
December 01, 2022
The townhouse Derek bought was completed and he was finally able to move in. (Fun fact: Derek signed the paperwork for this townhouse, and then the next day had his first date with Samantha!) Samantha helped him paint the downstairs – they still miss their “Nurture Green” kitchen.
February 01, 2023
The 30-minute commute between Derek’s townhouse and Samantha’s apartment proved to be too much, so Samantha moved in with Derek a few months later!
March 10, 2023
Samantha always wanted a dog of her own, and she happened across a pit mix on the shelter's website. This girl had one brown eye and one blue eye, just like their Lobo! Her name was Queenie, but Samantha thought Reina would be much better (plus it matched Lobo’s name)!
August 07, 2024
Derek, Samantha, Lobo, and Reina had outgrown their townhouse, so after a brief search, Derek and Samantha found a charming, cozy house that had a lot of potential. They love the neighborhood’s trees and many pathways which make it great for dog walking.
JUNE 2, 2025
DEREK AND SAMANTHA GET ENGAGED!!
Derek took her to the lovely WRAL Azalea Garden for the proposal, and then they met up with their friends for dinner to celebrate. A few months later when Derek’s wedding band arrived, Samantha arranged a picnic date where she “proposed” to Derek - he also said yes! (They also returned to this location for their formal engagement photos.)
JULY 2025
Derek’s first international trip! Derek and Samantha had a fantastic time abroad. They visit a few cities in Finland for Sara and Ryan’s wedding, then they spend a few days in Copenhagen, Denmark. Derek kept saying that everything was the best thing he ever had (the best pasta, the best fish, the best beer, etc.)!
August 17, 2025
They find the wedding venue of their cozy wedding dreams, and work together to plan their wedding in October 2026.
June 14, 2026
Current day! Derek and Samantha enjoy the life they are building together – they play video games, snuggle with Reina (and sometimes Lobo too!), spend time with family and friends, and continue chipping away at their never-ending list of house projects.
October 10, 2026
Derek and Samantha look forward to the rest of their lives as a married couple.
