Lisa and Derek
You know Lisa, and you know Derek.. And a few know the story of how they met.. but not everyone, so if you don't know (or you just want a refresher) - here is their story.
Both Lisa and Derek had been in horrible relationships that had ended in heartbreak. And they both swore off marriage forever! NEVER AGAIN!! (as you can guess, this didn't stick..)
They were both working for ExxonMobil. But in different buildings, and different work circles. So although they worked for the same company for years they had never met.
ExxonMobil had a great social component to the company and organized many events through the year. In October of 2011 they organized horseback riding. The best place to go was Broadleaf Ranch in Riverside Albert, so reservations were made and staff signed up. Lisa and Derek unbeknownst to each other were now on course to finally meet their soulmate.
Through a common friend at work, (as Broadleaf is about 30 min out of town) a carpool was setup. Lisa was willing to drive and bring her friend Heidi, along with Heidi's work friend Derek whom she had never met.
When Lisa and Derek met for the first time there was an obvious attraction between them. The walls that were built by each to avoid heartbreak fell just a little to see what this new feeling was all about. As the day went on, they hit it off great and had an amazing day horseback riding.. even when Derek's horse was slow and stubborn making a bit of a scene - it was good for a laugh, and helped to provide them a glimpse of each others personalities.
As the day progressed and the horseback riding was over, both Lisa and Derek really didn't want it to end. Plans were made to have some fun that evening, starting out at Heidi's, with her husband and a few other friends. The night continued with drinks, dancing and plenty of laughter at the Old Triangle, leaving Lisa and Derek pondering: Could this be love at first sight?
This laid the foundation for both Lisa and Derek's happiness today. Many new plans from that point were made to get together and spend time together. When Lisa was invited over to Derek's place for the first time she was at her cousin Chantal's house on Edgett St. Low and behold, Derek's address to come over was .. IN THE BACKYARD!! Derek's house and Chantal's were back to back, and Lisa walked over within minutes to see Derek's place.. coincidence? Maybe.. maybe not!
After several months of dating and growing closer, they decided to make things official at Shelly's July 1st cottage party. A weekend they will never forget surrounded by great friends and celebrations.
This is not to say that the start of their relationship was perfect. The trust issues from being hurt before, family, and religion, all were hurdles the relationship had to overcome. As Lisa and Derek have said to each other many times, because the hard times were part of the initial growing period it really has made for a stronger relationship today. Once those problems were overcome, it was clear that this was going to last.
For Derek, he had to create a new life, breaking free from the old chains of a cultish religion, and giving up his lifelong friendships. It was tough for Derek to do.. but he knew it was the right thing to do for him. He was happy. He loved Lisa, and didn't want to lose her for anything.
Lisa's past made her very protective of her feelings and opening up. Derek made her rethink this. There were times she wanted to throw in the towel, but the feelings she had when they were together overcame the doubts, and she fell in love.
Lisa and Derek both now know they are meant to be together. Time has ticked on, and maybe that old thought "marriage: never again!" was a subconsious choice for them at the start.. but as the walls eroded they realized what each of them needed: To symbolize their love and make the public declaration of saying "I DO" in dedication to each other. They cannot wait for 04-24-24.
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Thank you for reading our story and sharing in our lives, thank you for your love and friendship. We are so grateful.
Love, Lisa And Derek