Chris and Emilia met in August 2022 through a small group at their church, North Phoenix Church. Surrounded by a strong Christian community, they deepened their faith and connection with the Lord. During the weekly group meetings, Chris and Emilia discovered many shared interests and formed a strong bond.

During a February 2023 group trip to San Diego, they began to form a deeper connection and were able to get to know each other on a more personal level. On March 30th of that same year, they went on their first date to Joy Ride on Central Ave. It was, as they both agreed, the best date ever. The conversation had flowed so naturally that they didn’t notice the restaurant had closed and they were the last ones there.

Ten days later, on April 9, 2023, Chris asked Emilia to be his girlfriend over Cold Stone ice cream. From the beginning, it was clear their relationship was guided by God, and over the next year, they remained intentional about keeping Him at the center of their journey together.

One year later on April 7, 2024, Chris proposed to Emilia at the Japanese Friendship Garden in downtown Phoenix–a nod to her Pacific Northwest roots and love for lush, green spaces. Chris had planned the perfect day with a celebration at Culinary Dropout with both of their families. To top it off, he organized engagement photos and an engagement party with their closest friends. It was the perfect day–one that marked the beginning of forever.