Born and raised in Woodbridge, Virginia, Katie is a child of divorce. Her three brothers are her best friends and her father is her hero. Katie’s upbringing has made her cautious about who she chooses as a partner and has taught her what she does not want in a relationship or marriage.

Derek was born and raised in Maryland in a very tight-knit military family. Even though his parents are divorced now, he was brought up with a strong emphasis on the value of family which helped shape his views on marriage today.