Jalen and Cristina's story began in 2020, where chance brought them together in Charlotte, NC while Cristina was working at NCAT and Jalen had returned home early from a basketball season cut short in Slovakia due to a world pandemic. Their first date playing basketball in a church gym, where Cristina tried her hardest to beat Jalen (who admittedly let her win), led into a full day of conversations, laughs, and a connection.

From that day, Jalen and Cristina grew their relationship, friendship, and love across the miles while making lasting memories together. From WhatsApp video calls to countless nights sitting and talking in a "cafecito" in Spain to exploring new cities like Rome together, they built a foundation built on trust, family, and positivity.