John and Kristin met as John was coaching middle school basketball at Paisley Middle School. John wanted to meet his players’ parents to go over season information. Kristin walked in the gym as her oldest son (Jaycin) was one of John’s players. It was truly love at first sight but they both played it cool and kept it professional.

Kristin and John would speak in passing at games and practices. After one of their games, John text Kristin and asked what she thought about the game. As a true basketball mom she highlighted their highs and lows and told the coach what he should do. John took the criticism humbly. That conversation opened up a new line of communication for them. From then on after every game, John would text Kristin and ask what she thought about the game. Kristin would always give a humbling response. After a few weeks and as the season was ending, John respectfully asked Kristin if they could talk on a more personal level. Kristin agreed under a few conditions… Jaycin would not be favored and nothing serious until after the season. John agreed. Kristin and John quickly learned they had a lot in common (like the same exact birthday) and they have been around each other their whole lives but never actually met before. It was pretty ironic how they knew a lot of the same people but never crossed paths. John and Kristin became closer and closer and eventually completely inseparable. This was the start of something truly amazing.

Their next milestone was blending their kids.

Since John has 3 kids (Tyra, Jonae, Jonathan Jr) and Kristin has 1 kid (Jaycin) from previous marriages, it now makes them a family of 6. John and Kristin didn’t know what to expect from the kids with the new family dynamic but it couldn’t have gone any smoother. Naturally it took a little adapting for Kristin to go from 1 child to 4 kids but nothing crazy. The kids have literally been inseparable since the first day they met. You would think they have been around each other their whole lives. They care and disagree like true siblings.

A year later, a new addition was set to arrive. John and Kristin had their gender reveal on their first birthday they celebrated together. That was a gift from God. They were having a BOY! Now they were preparing to be a family of 7!

John surprised Kristin and proposed at their baby shower. Kristin was truly shocked and overjoyed. Kristin was very grateful he did it in a loving atmosphere where their families were in attendance.

A month later they welcomed their baby boy Jamari. They are navigating life with a newborn and now officially as a family of 7.

Now, it’s time to plan for the next milestone of their lives…. THE WEDDING….

We’ll see you June 21, 2025!

Childress Vineyards