Long before we ever held hands, before we ever booked a flight or braved a hospital waiting room together, the universe was already conspiring under a blanket of stars.

Our story began, of all places, with the topic of Halloween.

What started as a simple late night exchange on a dating app quickly turned into an enthusiastic deep dive into haunted houses, fog machines, and over-the-top Halloween animatronics. While most couples might bond over favorite movies or hobbies, we found magic in glowing pumpkins and perfectly timed jump scares.

Somewhere between laughing about spooky decorations and debating the superiority of animatronic monsters versus clowns, something much sweeter sparked.

It didn’t take long for us to realize this wasn’t just a passing connection. Our conversations flowed as easily as moonlight across a midnight sky. What began as playful banter turned into late-night talks, shared dreams, and the unmistakable feeling that something extraordinary was unfolding.

As our love story grew, so did our adventures. We packed our bags and set off for Mexico, trading haunted houses for ocean breezes and starry coastal nights. Under unfamiliar skies, we felt even more certain that this love wasn’t random—it was written somewhere above us long before we met. This was where Derek knew Kelly was the one (his friends constant reminder how good we were together didn't hurt either).

Life hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been shared. Through surgeries, medical procedures, accidents, and the vulnerability that comes with it all, we have stood side by side. In hospital rooms and recovery spaces, we have proven that love isn’t just about grand adventures—it’s about steady hands, whispered encouragement, and refusing to let go when things get hard.

When we’re not being each other’s greatest source of strength, we’re each other’s favorite adventure buddy. We fill our days with date nights, long walks through malls just to talk and laugh, spontaneous exploration of the state of Washington, cheering side by side at sporting events, and getting lost in the magic of different shows and concerts. And when the world quiets down, you’ll often find us gaming together—teammates in every sense of the word.

Above all, we share a love for the night sky. we’ve spent countless evenings looking up at the stars, tracing constellations and dreaming about the future. The moon, especially, holds a special place in our hearts. Derek lovingly calls Kelly “Mi Luna”—my moon—a reminder that even in darkness, she shines softly and steadily, guiding him home.

Like the moon and the stars, our love feels both cosmic and constant. It’s playful and adventurous, steady and luminous. From Halloween animatronics to hospital rooms, from Mexican beaches to crowded arenas, we’ve proven that when two souls are meant to meet, the universe will find a way.

And somewhere up there, among the stars, our story is still being written—bright, beautiful, and eternal.

Photos