Our Story

Joni and Derek both grew up in Las Vegas.  They went to different schools and lived in different neighborhoods.  They hadn't met yet...

Then they went away to college.  They both went to school in Utah - but not the same one.  They think it's possible that they met briefly - but they aren't sure.

In 2006 they both moved to Washington, DC for law school.  This time they went to the same school - and lived across the street from each other.  They became friends and spent a lot of time together.

They even spent a summer together studying abroad in Munich.  They traveled to Salzburg and Prague, but were still just friends.

Finally, after almost two years, Derek asked Joni on a date.  They went to the DC Kite Festival - which they were planning on going to anyway.  But something was different.

During a trip to New York, they shared their first kiss in Central Park.

Then, on November 17, 2008, while walking along the street between their two high-rise apartment buildings, Joni is puzzled by lights appearing on the face of a building.  Words began to appear on the building and, in giant letters, told the story you've just read.  On a knee, Derek asked Joni to marry him - and she said yes!

At the end of law school, Joni and Derek will return to Las Vegas.  They will both work as attorneys at law firms ... across the street from each other.