The Couple The characteristics & interests Chris & Lynette have in common are: an appreciation for jazz festivals; a love of travel; beach time; game nights; hosting family & friends for dinner; and even careers in higher education. The characteristics & interests Chris & Lynette do not have in common are: Chris likes watching news documentaries on repeat, Lynette does not; Lynette loves a good dessert, Chris does not. The two also adamantly disagree on iPhone versus Android & when it’s appropriate to put holiday decorations up & when to remove them. Like the educational journey that initially introduced the two, the ups & downs of these interests maintained their friendship after meeting as doctoral students in 2008. Above all, Chris & Lynette sync harmoniously on the incomparable importance of God as the center of their individual lives as well as their union as a couple. For this reason, Chris & Lynette’s friendship has been blessed to grow & evolve over 14 years with Christ as the foundation- along with the persuasion of a few friends. In fact, two close mutual friends, John & Katrina, recognized Chris & Lynette as a perfect match. "I think she could hold you down," said the one friend to Chris. Not wanting to let another day pass without seeing what could be, Chris reached out to Lynette in 2021 to schedule a friendly Zoom chat. Although Lynette did not immediately recognize Chris’s pursuit of her heart, she began to observe and appreciate Chris’s intentionality, persistence, & consistency, which she found attractive. Lynette’s good friend, Monique shared, "You're about to miss out on a good one." Chris & Lynette had their first official date at Bernie’s Restaurant. Chris & Lynette both entered the date with different intentions – Chris came to the date wanting to share how he felt about Lynette; and Lynette went to the date not having anything to do on a Saturday evening & things were slowly reopening due to the pandemic. However, the date’s outcome was more than each other could imagine. From that moment, Chris & Lynette grew closer as the many aspects of life they had in common seamlessly revealed themselves. Chris recalls that date as high stakes & a significant moment & Lynette recalls that date as time didn’t move; they stayed at the restaurant for 6 hours talking. Because Bernie’s is so special to their relationship, Bernie’s is also where Chris chose to propose. The Proposal It has to be right, special, and involve family and friends. And, most importantly, Lynette has to be surprised. These are the thoughts Chris had as he prepared to propose to Lynette on June 17, 2022. To ensure his plans checked all these boxes, Chris organized a proposal run-through with his best friend, Corey, two nights before the big event. Knowing Lynette as a super sleuth, her family & friends avoided her for a week leading up to the proposal, afraid Lynette might suspect the impending surprise. When proposal day arrived, Lynette entered Bernie’s ready to enjoy a great meal. However, the menu was not all that was being served. Lynette entered a private room and was immediately greeted by close friends & family in person, as well as extended family and friends joining online via Zoom. Chris dropped to one knee, extended a ring, and opened his heart. Lynette, deservingly surprised, shared a forever, “Yes!” The Future Lynette & Chris have chosen Galatians 5:22-23 as the foundational scripture for their union. Together, they both strive to reflect the Fruits of the Spirit. Since the couple met in the classroom & work in higher education, they found it fitting to host their wedding at a university. Chris & Lynette appreciate the unique history that got them here & are excited about the God-ordained future that awaits them. They would love for you to support their journey as they seek to boldly live out love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, & self-control.