It was under the Friday night football stadium lights that he first noticed the blonde girl with the bubbly laugh. She was lost in conversation with her friend but he was determined to insert himself into the dialogue. His efforts were momentarily lost, as Ariel seemed to pay no attention to Derrick and left mid-game. But Derrick is the guy who knows what he wants and goes after it, so he immediately coaxed Ariel’s friend to give him Ariel’s number and started up a text conversation. When he requested a date, Ariel initially turned him down. Derrick kept pushing- there was something about her that made him never want to give up.

After almost a year of maintaining a steady friendship, Ariel decided it was time. Their friendship blossomed into a relationship and they started experiencing life together hand and hand. Between high school graduation, planning their futures, and dreaming big dreams, they started to revolve their world around one another. After a few years had passed – even though Derrick initially thought he would propose in an additional year or two- suddenly Derrick knew…it was time. One summer morning it just felt right and after asking her parents permission and buying a ring, he proposed at a restaurant that overlooked the lake at sunset, surrounded by their closest family.

They’ll be married next summer with family and friends witnessing the incredible day that Ariel and Derrick are planning. Since they both grew up in a small town amongst the Indiana fields and crops, we thought it was only fitting that we explore their friends property and soak in the autumn evening. Ariel and Derrick, spending the evening with you was so fun and it makes me so insanely excited to document your day next summer! xx, M