Back in 2010, life was just beginning to turn around for Chris. After dropping out of high school and battling a near-fatal bout with Crohn's disease, he had finally found a glimmer of hope at Northwest Vista Community College. Introduced by a mutual friend he and Aarika met and formed an instant connection.

Chris was smitten and persistent. He asked Aarika out several times, enduring a polite decline each time until she finally agreed. Who would have thought they would survive a long-distance relationship while Chris attended college in Victoria, Texas. Only to briefly return to San Antonio and then move to Austin to pursue his career. Somehow he managed to convince Aarika who was very attached to her family to move with him.

In Austin, Aarika embarked on her journey to become a CPA. The path was arduous, filled with long nights of studying and rigorous exams, but Chris was her unwavering support system. In addition to surviving a pandemic, celebrating career milestones', and purchasing their first home. This new chapter was made even more joyful by the addition of their beloved and high-maintenance dogs, Rocky and Stitch, who brought endless joy and occasional chaos into their lives.

Years of love, challenges, and triumphs culminated in the most joyous occasion yet—Chris and Aarika's wedding on February 21, 2025.