Our story began with a last-minute change of plans. I was visiting family out of state when the emails started coming in—a reminder about a graduate school lunch in Greenville, NC, where I was attending grad school and Chris was just starting. Initially, I hadn’t planned on going, but something about that meet-and-greet with the incoming grads felt important. So, I changed my flight and returned early. That decision led me straight to Chris.

That lunch became the first chapter of our journey together, and it wasn’t long before we discovered our shared love for craftsmanship, a deep connection over values, and, ultimately, a partner who would open his heart and home in the most meaningful ways.

One day, when I mentioned I needed a place to do my laundry, Chris handed me a key to his place. We’d only known each other for a short while and were more like acquaintances than close friends. But without a second thought, it was a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes, showing just how naturally he welcomed me into his life.

From that moment on, our lives began to intertwine. Before we knew it, we cooked together, made art, and dreamed up future collaborations and gallery plans. As time passed, our bond only grew stronger, and we realized we couldn’t live without each other. Moving in together felt like the natural next step—a shared commitment to nurturing our relationship and supporting each other’s growth as individuals.

Today, we share a beautiful home with our dear cat, Rhodie. We both now teach at East Carolina University, the same place where we met and received our MFAs. Our days are often filled with teaching preparation, but we always make time for the simple pleasures—being outside, tending to our garden, experimenting with new cooking methods, and, most importantly, just being together. It's the life we’ve built, filled with the things we love, and I couldn’t imagine it any other way.