We love a not-so-typical love story, don’t you? When we read about these two families merging to become one, we knew that we wanted to feature Michelle & Derek’s modern-day marriage proposal.
Share with us when and how you met each other.
Our Story isn’t your typical love story but it’s ours and We love it!
Derek and I originally met back in 2007. I was a senior in high school who found myself pushing my parents’ boundaries a little more than I should have. Derek was a 22-year-old boy working hard, riding around on a motorcycle, having fun, and raising a beautiful little girl. We met for the first time through a mutual friend at a party but didn’t really talk. A few months, later he walked into my KFC while I was working, and I hooked him with the free food. We had a great run for a few months. He was the first guy to get me on the back of a bike. We did all the things normal young kids do. After a few great months, our lives took us in other directions.
Over the years, we both went on with life, started families, raised kids, and went through trials and tribulations. After years of no contact, and no sight of each other, we ended up seeing each other from time to time at the softball fields. Not talking to each other almost like strangers passing in the night.
It wasn’t until I was vacationing in Maine with my kids and parents almost 13 years later, that he “slid into my DM” apologizing for the past, leaving and going our separate ways without a trace or a word, and hoping to be friends. While I accepted the apology and returned small conversation, I then left him unread for a bit. A few months later, after a few drinks one night, I replied again, filled him in on my life and he filled me in on his. We agreed to meet for a drink but with the understanding that both of us were coming out of serious relationships, we weren’t looking for anything but a friendship, just someone to talk to.
For months, almost a year, that’s exactly how it was. No expectations, no relationship status to blast on social media, just a beautiful friendship. I can’t tell you when it exactly changed for us, it could have begun when we started hanging out again, it could have been months after we started hanging out, but what I do know is it was just easy, fun, lightweight, and what we both needed.
I think for me deep down I may have known all along but with past relationship history, I was afraid of admitting it. I just remember getting this feeling of waking up and looking forward to speaking to him each day, the good morning text, the endless conversations on the phone throughout the day, the hangouts, the going out, the spending time with each other.
Before we knew it we were in the relationship of a lifetime. I have never felt so loved, respected, cherished, and valued. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect Soul mate. He is the calm to my storm, the comedian to my seriousness. He lifts me up when I am down, encourages me every day, and loves me endlessly. I can’t wait to spend forever with him. Our love story, while not traditional, is ours and I would not want it any other way. #GoingGillard2024
What are your favorite things to do together as a couple?
We love sports and the water. We have 5 children between the two of us and we enjoy cheering them on at their sporting events and supporting them in everything they do. We both play adult league and tournament softball together and men/women teams. Anything and everything we do we have a blast, we enjoy nice rides on our motorcycle and jet skiing and boating.
How long were you together before getting engaged?
Almost 2 years.
Share your modern-day marriage proposal story…
Derek would have to give more details but he planned a whole celebration with my family, his family, and our close friends. He had the help of his mom and sister to decorate. The help of my family to watch our kids while we went on what he originally told me was a date night. He even got my sister in town for the night. Jitz Media as well for the pictures. It was amazing and the most magical, loving, amazing night of my life. Best of all he was able to keep it all a surprise. I loved every moment of that night. The Easiest Yes I ever said!
What was the best moment of the proposal?
Both of our Families, our closest friends, and our kids were all there to witness and celebrate the best day ever.
Who did you tell that you were engaged first?
Everyone I wanted to tell was present at my proposal. I mean EVERYONE. He did AMAZING!
Tell us about the ring!
The ring is white gold, a beautiful round stone, perfect in every way.
Everything! I enjoy planning our wedding to continue planning the rest of our lives together
If you’ve already decided, when are you getting married and what is your venue?
March 23, 2024 at Hidden Barn Venue
Why did you choose that venue?
Beautiful site, a convenient location, and it was in our price range being an all-inclusive venue it has made life and planning so much easier.
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We wanted to stay within or below our budget, we have a big family so we did not want to break our bank or stress over paying for our wedding.
Not too sure, but definitely want a more fun, laid-back style wedding
Have you selected any other vendors for your wedding?
We have booked a few vendors, Rebecca Ezell for our photographer, DJ Squirrel for our DJ, and Sugar Sugar Cake Boutique for our cake and we are working on our caterer and possible videographer as well.
Congratulations Michelle and Derek on your modern-day marriage proposal!
Want to feature your proposal? CLICK HERE to submit your story!
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