Sometimes, love finds its way back at just the right time.

We first met in 5th grade in Walsenburg, Colorado. We were in different classes and didn’t even have recess together, but that didn’t stop us from finding ways to see each other — whether it was quick meetups at the library or hanging out at a special spot we called Initial Rock, right across from the football field. We’d text each other constantly, all day and night. Even back then, our friendship felt easy and natural.

Eventually, life took us in different directions, and we lost touch for a while. But when the timing was right, we found our way back to each other — and everything just clicked. On January 27, 2019, Derick asked Abrianna to be his girlfriend. She was surprised at first and took a second to think it through — but saying yes turned out to be the best decision either of us ever made.

From that moment on, we were inseparable — best friends who naturally fell into love.

Our Life, Our Pack

In 2020, we moved in together and started building a life of our own. First came OG, our spoiled and deeply loved first baby. Then came Maui, full of joy and silliness, followed by Tank and Misty — each pup adding their own unique personality and love to our little pack. In 2023, during a concert in Denver, we experienced the heartbreaking loss of Maui. That moment shaped us in a profound way, reminding us how precious life is and just how strong our bond truly is.

Not long after, Oreoz joined our family, bringing new energy, healing, and hope to our hearts. Our dogs have been part of every chapter, and they’re a huge part of our love story.

Favorite Adventures

We’ve made so many incredible memories together — from spontaneous road trips to unforgettable concerts. Music has always been something that connects us, from Red Rocks shows with Kevin Gates, Russ, and Tech N9ne to EDM artists like Alison Wonderland, LSDREAM, Ganja White Night, and Boogie T.

In 2022, we road-tripped to New Mexico to see Ice Cube for Derick’s birthday. In 2024, we traveled out of state to Ohio for our very first festival — Lost Lands — and also took our first trip to Mexico to celebrate a family wedding. We soaked up the sun, culture, and memories that we’ll cherish forever.

Whether we’re dancing at shows or binge-watching movies at home, our favorite moments are the ones we spend together. Play fighting like big kids, sending each other way too many funny videos, going out to eat, and cuddling on the couch with our pups — those little everyday things are what make our love feel like home.

Every morning starts with a good-morning kiss, and Abrianna never lets Derick leave for work without saying, “I love you, be safe.” Those small, constant reminders of love are what keep our connection so strong.

The Proposal

On Christmas Day in 2023 — just ahead of our five-year anniversary - Derick proposed in the cutest way. While we were taking our traditional holiday photos in front of the Christmas tree, Derick tapped Abrianna on the shoulder. She turned around and found him down on one knee, asking her to marry him.

She was so surprised and nervous, she started tapping her feet — but her heart already knew the answer. With happy tears, a few laughs, and the biggest smiles, she said yes to forever with her best friend.

What We Love Most

From Abrianna:

“I love Derick’s personality. His laugh is so contagious, and he has this way of joking around that lights up a room. He’s compassionate — even if he pretends to hide it — and he always takes care of me. And even though he swore he didn’t want dogs, now he treats ours like his babies. Watching him love them melts my heart.”

From Derick:

“I love how goofy and playful she is. Whether we’re going on an adventure or just running errands, she’s happy to be there with me. She makes everything more fun — and I wouldn’t want to do life with anyone else.”

Looking Ahead

From childhood friends to soulmates, we’ve grown through every high and low — always choosing each other. We know that love takes effort, patience, communication, and a whole lot of laughter. It’s in the big milestones and the quiet moments that we’ve built something real and lasting.

As we look ahead to marriage, we feel nothing but gratitude — for the journey we’ve shared, the life we’ve built, and the love that keeps growing. With our hearts full and our pups by our side, we’re so excited for everything the future holds.

This is only the beginning of our forever — and we can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with the people we love most.