Fate first brought Chris and Sarah together in March 2016, at the iconic Whitlow’s on Wilson in Arlington, Virginia. They immediately hit it off over their shared love of sports, politics and armchair psychology (aka people watching). They spent the rest of that fun-filled evening engaged in effortless conversation, and by the end of the night each knew they wanted to see the other again. What both didn’t know is that that fortuitous night was just the beginning of a lifetime of love and wonderful memories they would share.

Five years after their serendipitous meeting, Chris (finally) decided it was time to get on one knee and propose to Sarah. Sarah had previously described to Chris her dream proposal, and he resolved to make her dream come true. But to make it all happen, he knew he’d have to recruit the help of Sarah’s best friend Melanie. Over the following weeks, Chris and Melanie put Chris’s plan into motion — all the while making sure Sarah didn’t catch wind of what was coming. On December 4th, 2021, the big day had finally arrived. Sarah believed it was just another Saturday. In her mind the plan for that day was to grab lunch in DC and go to a holiday light show with her boyfriend and best friend. Little did she know what was really in store. After Chris, Sarah and Melanie finished lunch at Old Ebbit Grille they wandered down the street to see the National Christmas Tree — which Chris and Sarah had made a tradition of visiting every year. It was there, with the White House and Washington Monument in the backdrop, that Chris popped the question. After Sarah said yes, the three of them headed to a bar across the street to celebrate. When they walked into that bar, Sarah was so enamored looking at her new ring that she almost didn’t notice all their closest friends and family (who Chris had assembled) waiting there to celebrate the joyous occasion with them! The next stage of Chris and Sarah’s journey together had officially begun.