We're getting married!

Kristen's version: Like any millennial relationship, we met the old-fashioned way--a dating app. Talking to Chris, I quickly learned the three most important things I needed to know: 1. He loves Jesus 2. He is a diehard Birds fan 3. He is a big foodie. *heart eyes emoji* We went on our first date at Front Street Cafe on March 14th, the day after he got back from Ireland, and it was like we had known each other forever. Then the world shut down. For months all we could do was have Facetime lunch dates, so we really got a chance to know each other because talking was our only option. With Chris and I, there was/is no awkward silence...just lots of laughter, random questions, and so many eye rolls from the puns and dumb jokes. Chris's version: If you told me the way I would meet the love of my life and go through what we went through, I would've thought you were crazy. After years of trials and tribulations, I gave in and entered the enchanted world of online dating. February of 2020, Kristen and I began messaging each other, having long and amusing conversations. We tried to meet in early-March, however, vacations and traveling prolonged our first date. Finally, on March 14th, we went out to brunch at Front Street Café. We both ordered the eggs benedict, laughed, and talked about our travels. It was fun, nerve-wracking, yet invigorating because it felt like the beginning of something great. Of course, all of this began just in time for COVID-19 to shut the whole country down. If it were any other two people, social distancing would have been crippling. But because Kristen and I established a foundation where we made God the main priority and allowed for vulnerability and conversation, we prevailed. Fast forward to today, I could not imagine spending every moment of my life without her.

Chris ~could not~ care less about his birthday, which was the perfect excuse for a "chill" weekend. I (Kristen) had no say in the weekend, because it was his bday weekend and I was going to let him do whatever he wanted, even if that meant going to Penn's Landing and bar hopping Friday and then "just going to brunch at Front Street and seeing where the day takes us" on Saturday. Little did I know he had been scheming for MONTHS with my best friends. Right before I opened the door to the very spot where we had our first date, Chris got down on one knee. "I have a card in my pocket. I have no idea what to say. Will you marry me?" In absolute shock I obviously said yes, then went into the restaurant and found some of my best friends had surprised me and flown up/driven here to be a part of this moment! We are so freaking excited to celebrate this next chapter of our lives with y'all. Go Birds!