Clair and Derek met at Copeland's Restaurant and Bar in downtown Minneapolis (unfortunately now closed). Karen Estrada (Clair's bridesmaid and old roommate) convinced Clair and her current roommate Lisa Froelich (now Hoyme) to accompany her to see a college friend play in a band. Andy Hakala (Derek's groomsman) was playing with the Jack Brass Band. Derek came to see Andy play, too, as they were old high school buddies. Clair and Derek met, and then Derek and Tim (Derek's best man and old roommate) left. However, they did come back. All Clair remembers is handing Derek some money and asking him if he would get her a drink because he was standing closer to the bar. He was about to get one for himself anyway. Plus, he liked her glasses.

After about a month, Derek called to see if Clair wanted to go to the Drive-In with some friends. He picked Clair up and told her that it was just them and another couple, Matt Nohr (Derek's groomsman) and Katie Trunnell (now Nohr). HMMMM....He claims it wasn't on purpose.... That night, Derek held Clair's hand in his and gave her the world's ugliest sweater to stay warm. That Tuesday was August 26, 2003. Three years to the day before the wedding date!