Our Love Story

Who would’ve thought that a checkered pasts and a church pew could lead to such a beautiful future?

Shaunta and Chris first met at New Beginnings at Mountain View Community Church, where for over a year, Shaunta sat one row behind Chris—sharing only friendly smiles, polite “good mornings,” and warm church hugs. Neither of them could have imagined that in just a year and a half, they wouldn’t just be fellow church members… they’d be husband and wife.

Enter Co-Pastor Homer the Third—Chris’s friend of 29 years and Shaunta’s brother-in-law of 11 years. Known for his big heart and a little matchmaking flair, Homer saw something divine long before either of them did. What Chris and Shaunta didn’t know was that Homer and his wife Kayla already had plans to make this happen.

One Sunday after service, as people were leaving the church parking lot, Homer pointed toward a car pulling away and asked Chris,

“What do you think about that woman right there?”

Chris smiled and said, “She’s beautiful.”

With a big grin, Homer replied, “Beautiful? She’s more than beautiful—she’s FINE!”

They both laughed, but then Homer leaned in with a playful glint in his eye and said,

“Wouldn’t you want to be my brother-in-law?”

Chris chuckled and said, “Whoa, man… that’s a little fast! But yeah, I’d love to be your brother-in-law. You’re like family.”

And right there, without even realizing it, the Lord began weaving a story of love, laughter, and purpose.

Being the co-pastor, Homer knew both of their hearts well. He told Shaunta that he thought Chris was exactly the kind of man she had been praying for—a man of faith, integrity, and kindness. Homer even knew about the list of expectations and values Shaunta had written down and tucked inside her Bible—her private prayers for the husband she hoped God would one day send.

Won’t God do it.

Although they worked together on several church ministries, Shaunta and Chris remained simply friends—until the day Chris finally got the courage to ask,

“Can I call you?”

Shaunta teased, “You already have my number.”

Chris smiled and said again, “Yeah, but can I call you… call you?”

From that moment on, everything changed.

Their first date was a sushi dinner followed by a magical Christmas Eve trolley ride through glowing holiday lights. Their second date, on New Year’s Eve, ended with their first kiss—on a rooftop under the fireworks, ringing in a brand-new year together.

From then on, they were inseparable—sharing countless concerts, dinners, adventures, and island getaways. Together, they’ve been living their best life and painting the town red.

After being embraced by Shaunta’s family as “Uncle Chris,” he took the next step—asking both her son, Joshua, and her father, Augusta, for their blessing. Chris will never forget her father’s powerful words:

“You can go to the highest mountain and the lowest part of the sea and never find a woman better than Shaunta.”

With that blessing, Chris planned an unforgettable proposal on the beach of St. Croix in the Virgin Islands—complete with a private photographer, a romantic dinner on the sand, and the most important moment of all:

Shaunta said YES.

Now, with faith as their foundation and love as their compass, they’re ready to begin the next chapter—as husband and wife.

Because what began as two people in separate church pews turned into a divine love story—proof that when God’s in it, the best is yet to come.