This story starts with a pair of shoes, but would we expect anything less of Lex and Chris? Picture this: its winter 2018. Lex wanted to treat herself to a pair of Yeezy’s after a trip. She remembered her friend from high school Izzy has a brother (Lou) who owns a shoe store. Lex asked Izzy if her brother had the shoes she wanted, and they did. They put the shoes to the side for her and thats where this love story begins.
Lex went to Direct Kicks to pick up her pair of shoes. When she walked in she noticed a cute guy, Chris, dressed in a black Nike tech suit with his hood up, and a Mets fitted underneath his hood. Basically, Lex went googley eyed over him immediately. But this wasnt a flirty first encounter. Years later we now know they were both really shy, and awkward. If you know Lex you know she loves Drake. And when Lex first saw Chris she thought he looked like a Dominican version of Drake, literally right up her ally. So perfect match right?
Chris’ first words to Lex were “size 5 right?” no introduction, no “hey youre cute”, no “here take my number”. Years later he claims he was going to write his number on the receipt, but it never happened. So when she left she was a little disappointed, “he’s cute, but didnt ask for any contact information.” Izzy later texted her and asked if it was okay if she could pass on her number to Chris, and of course Lex said yes. Apparently it had always been her plan to hook the two up. Its like it was written in the stars for them to be together.
Chris on the other hand was quite literally terrified to text her so he had his friend Eric write out his text, which was “Hey, it’s Chris”. Because that was too hard to write himself right? Lex responded “word around town is you think Im cute”. After a few text exchanges they decided it was finally time to go on a date.
Their first date was a date to Insomnia Cookie’s. YUM. The date went so well they couldnt wait to see each other again so the next day they went on a second date. Which lasted all day long. They went to the Maritime aquarium, to pet the fish of course. And after the aquarium they had to pick up some shoes (here is where she saw a glimpse into the rest of her life). They were having such a good time they kept their date going. They had lunch at PF Changs and she got a fortune that read “follow your heart and you will find happiness”. And if that wasnt a sign that she should marry him then I dont know what is. She also still has this fortune. PF Changs wasnt enough though, the date continued into the night and they went to iPic to see a scary movie. When the movie ended they sat in his car and talked for hours. Not wanting to leave her Chris invited Lex over, but it was almost 2am, and by now Lex looked homeless after being out all day. Chris told her it was fine, and that he would have her over the right way, so she could meet his family.
I remember when Lex came into work after her date. I have never seen her so happy. She radiated joy. Not to sound corny but she literally was glowing. I knew in that moment it was meant to be. Even though she refused to even stand next to him the first time I hung out with them together. They were both so shy it was like watching two 10 year olds flirt. She was so nervous about going to his house to meet his family. She planned that outfit for days, Im not even kidding literally days. “Should I bring something?” “What if they dont like me” “I cant even pronounce their last name”. I blew out her hair that evening for her to go meet his family.
She thought it would be a small little family gathering, but if you know Chris’ family — there is no such thing as a small family gathering. When Lex got there she was greeted by Chris’ parents Violette and Pete, Chris’ brother Zack, friends, and other family members. The evening flowed greatly, mainly because Chris’ family is easily the most friendly, welcoming, loving family there is. They chatted all night long, and funny enough referred to Lex as “Chris’ girlfriend” all night long.
Being called his girlfriend had Lex’s poor head spiraling because they had just met 2 weeks ago. Obviously she had to bring it up. She asked him “so did you tell them I was your girlfriend?” and Chris responded “no… but it has a nice ring to it. So will you be my girlfriend?.” And if your heart isnt exploding by now, you do not have one.
Lex and Chris continued to grow their relationship throughout the months. They then met each others friends, family, and other important people. They started planning trips together, one of which was to Disney. On their first trip to Disney he pulled out bridal ears and put them on her, little did we know fast forward to 2021, it would be the same place they got engaged.
November 2021 we planned a trip for Lex’s birthday. Shaina, Andrew, Lex, Chris, and I (I’m Nataly by the way) had a fun birthday weekend planned. The day we got there Shaina and Andrew had their flight delayed so we went to the park and said we’d meet them after. Thinking it was just a mundane afternoon, we went about our day as normal as we could. Lex and I went on a rollercoaster that Chris was terrified of, so he skipped out. When we got off the ride we couldnt find him anywhere. 10 minutes later we spot him with a post-it in his hand. He looked nervous and scared, but insisted he was fine and that he was talking to a photographer, so he could get a few pictures taken of them by the castle. As we’re walking towards the castle Lex’s notices Chris is off too. She turns to me and mouths “you dont think…” and I dismissed her because I truly couldnt see him doing something like that in front of such a big crowd.
Once we got to the castle Chris kept walking up and down the line of photographers, very obviously sweating. Was it from how hot it was or because he was about to propose? Who knows. He finally finds THE photographer, they chat for a little, and then get snapping away. But then the Disney parade started and they had to pause the photoshoot. Lex was in her glory watching Mickey and Minnie come down the street. Chris took that opportunity to tell me what he was about to do. He looked at me and said “its about to happen”. “Whats about to happen…?” I asked. Thats when he pulled out her ring and showed me it. I couldnt control my emotions I immediately started bawling, to which Chris told me to stop it right away.
Lex came over to me and asked if she looked okay, and knowing she was about to be proposed to I told her to fix her lipstick, but thats all she needed because she looked beautiful as always. I remember the photographer positioned them so she was turned facing the other way. Thats when Chris got down on one knee (no dont worry he did not crease the Travis’) and pulled out the ring. It truly was the most beautiful, most romantic moment Ive ever seen. Knowing how much love they have for one another, it was finally time for them. Chris and Lex share a love so deep and genuine, anyone would be lucky to experience a love even half that strong. We spent the rest of that weekend celebrating the beautiful couple enjoying all the love in the air. And to this day we continue to celebrate their love.

To my best friends: thank you for letting me write your story. I love you both so much, and I cannot wait to watch you guys continue to build your lives together.
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby Tsachalis in a baby carriage.

Q + A

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