Now that senior season is wrapping up, it’s back to engagement sessions and wedding days! From celebrating the end of an era, to celebrating the next steps, I swear I couldn’t love my work more! Jana and Derek have moved out of state while finishing up school, but I can’t wait to see them again and capture their big day!

What is your occupation?

Jana : Registered Nurse
Derek : Physician Assistant student

How long had you been dating before getting engaged?

Jana : 1 year and 8 months
Derek : We were dating for about a year and 8 months.

Where are you from?

Jana : Midland, MI
Derek : Grand Rapids, MI

Where are you going to live after the wedding?

Jana : We’ll still be in Downers Grove, IL for the first year until Derek finishes PA school then we’ll move back to Michigan.
Derek : In Downers Grove, IL until I am done with PA school then we will move back to Michigan.

How did you meet?

Jana : We worked together but we met at a get together with coworkers outside of work.
Derek : We first officially met at an after work gathering with coworkers, but we both worked on the same unit at Butterworth hospital in Grand Rapids.

Tell me about your first date/impression :

Jana : For our first date he either made me dinner or we went to Rockwells in Grand Rapids, I can’t remember which was first. I knew he was a keeper when I found out he could cook! At first, I was a little hesitant about dating a coworker but it turned out to be a great decision!
Derek : I was very adamant about making Jana dinner the first couple days after we met. She had a smile that could light up a room and her laugh was infectious, but most of all she was very easy to carry a conversation with.

What five words best describes him?

Jana : Supportive, intelligent, loyal, funny, selfless

What five words best describes her?

Derek : Sassy, smart, funny, driven and genuine.