wE'RE GETTING MARRIED!

Once upon a time, in the summer of 2019, Kris and Tyler's paths were destined to cross, although they had no idea of the extraordinary journey that lay ahead. The stars aligned during the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Basketball Camp, held on the prestigious campus of Morehouse College. For Kris, this was an opportunity to showcase his passion for basketball and to network and learn from some of the greatest players in the sport. As a former student-athlete and basketball enthusiast, he had always been drawn to the game's energy and grace. Little did he know that fate had something extraordinary in store for him. As Tyler stepped into Forbes Arena, a bustling gym filled with towering athletes and enthusiastic players, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for hosting her third NBPA Basketball Camp. Among the sea of faces, Kris' eyes were drawn to a figure gliding effortlessly through the crowd – Tyler. There was an air of mystery about her, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen her somewhere before. Curiosity got the better of Tyler, and she checked her credential list for the camp participants. Surprisingly, Kris' name was not on it, making his presence even more intriguing. Perhaps this was a sign that their meeting was meant to be. Summoning his courage, Kris decided to approach her. With the spirit of a true basketball enthusiast, he struck up a conversation about the game. They instantly connected over their shared love for basketball and the fact that they were both former student-athletes who played in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The two days of the camp flew by, and as the final buzzer sounded, neither Kris nor Tyler were ready to say goodbye. They exchanged contact information, and from that moment on, their lives would never be the same. In the weeks that followed, Kris and Tyler found themselves going on dates at least twice a week. Bowling, skating, movie nights, and dinners became their favorite pastimes. They were inseparable, and their bond grew stronger with every passing day. Despite their shared interests, life had more in store for them. Opportunities arose for them to work together in various capacities – at Envision in Washington, D.C., LIDS, and with the SIAC. These experiences not only strengthened their professional connection but also deepened their personal relationship. As fate would have it, they began dating during the challenging times of COVID. Yet, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Being together during lockdowns allowed them to spend quality time together, further solidifying their love and commitment. Then, on a beautiful Valentine's Day, after two years of being inseparable, Kris looked into Tyler's eyes and asked her to be his girlfriend. She said yes with tears of joy, knowing in her heart that he was the one she wanted to spend her life with. The years that followed were filled with countless cherished memories. They shared the joy of traveling together, exploring the world's wonders in places like Dubai, Canada, and London. Each new experience brought them closer together, building a love that would stand the test of time. In 2020, they took a significant step in their journey. Kris and Tyler decided to move into their own house in Macon, a place they could call home together. It was a symbolic step, a manifestation of their commitment to building a life together. Through it all, they learned the importance of honesty, integrity, and kindness in their relationship. These values formed the bedrock of their love, allowing it to blossom into something truly extraordinary.

It was a few days before their annual international trip, a special occasion when they celebrated not only three wonderful years together but also Tyler's 26th birthday. They had planned to stay at Kris' parents' house, getting ready for Kris' brother Korbian's birthday cookout. As they arrived, Kris' parents were busy preparing for the celebration while Kris and Tyler decided to run errands for the day. During their day out, they indulged in pampering and took their time getting ready before heading back to Kris' parents' house. As they approached the backyard, they could hear the joyful sounds of music, and Tyler's heart started racing with anticipation. To her surprise, as they stepped into the backyard, Tyler's family and closest friends appeared one by one, each handing her a beautiful ruby red rose. The atmosphere was filled with tears of joy, warm hugs, and radiant smiles that spread cheek to cheek. It was a moment of overwhelming love and support. As Tyler's family concluded their touching gesture, she turned around to find Kris kneeling on a soft yellow pillow, wearing a relieved grin on his face. The sight of him was heartwarming and filled her with excitement. In that heartfelt moment, he took her hand and asked her to marry him. With tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks, Tyler eagerly said yes, and they were officially engaged. The love they felt for each other was evident in the glow of their smiles and the joy in their hearts. Surrounded by their loved ones, they knew that this special day marked the beginning of a new chapter in their journey together. We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. See you in Macon!