At Stevens Institute of Technology, Castle Point Hall kitchen was a room that was used maybe once or twice for the sake of cooking. It was small, the oven barely worked, and there was only one table. Chris was sitting alone and doing some homework in the kitchen one afternoon. Outside the door was another group of students who would regularly use it as a place to do homework together, hang out, and escape from their roommates. The group eventually entered the kitchen and did homework at the same table as Chris. They all became fast friends. Chris and Alex even shared a math class! After many days and nights of homework help, 3am takeout, school events, and exploring New York City, the semester ended.

After a summer break, the next semester began. The Kitchen Squad regrouped and things continued normally. One night, Chris went to Alex’s apartment to help her cook dinner. He made what might be the worst pesto sauce of all time. It had so much garlic that it was actually spicy. Regardless, Alex appreciated the help. A few more dinners and classes later, and they were dating!

Alex and Chris graduated college together in 2018, then again with Masters degrees in 2020. Since it was the height of the Covid pandemic, they moved from Hoboken, NJ to southern New Jersey for a few months before making any big moves. As things began to stabilize, they decided to move to southern California and start a new life in Irvine.

After years of living together, great experiences on both coasts of the U.S., many homemade meals (with much better pesto sauce than before), and learning about each other, Chris decided to propose in November of 2022. He had to wait an extra week because he made himself sick from nervousness though. One week later they were engaged!

We really appreciate the love and support we’ve gotten from our friends and family. We can’t wait to see you all in January for our celebration!