Chris and Steph matched on a dating app like many other millennials. They went on their first date at an arcade bar, but when they showed up, they learned it was the bar's music bingo night. Chris and Steph spent the night trying (and failing) to hear each other, but they heard enough to know they wanted a second date. Their second date wasn't much calmer because they went to Dave and Buster's, but at least they could hear each other! Having fun has become a foundational piece of Steph and Chris' relationship ever since, as has their appreciation for Steph's best friend, Sara.

Chris and Steph started officially dating a month later, and then in June went on their first of many vacations together in Wilmington, NC. Over the next few months, Chris and Steph furthered their relationship and met each others' families. They took their first international trip to the Bahamas in August 2022, celebrated two weddings of close friends (Alex Sherry, the officiant, and Jenna Gilder and Mason Stalph, a bridesmaid and a groomsman), and went on their first ski trip in the mountains of West Virginia to close out the year.

The year 2023 brought an Alaskan cruise, moving in together, and seeing the Eiffel Tower at night from the Seinne. Together, Steph and Chris celebrated the big and small things, grieved family losses, and co-parented Steph's dog Rory and Chris' cat Baby Kiro. In September, Chris and Sara started planning an epic proposal; they called themselves "Cone of Silence" because Steph is too good at figuring things out.

On November 18, Chris pretended to go to a tennis match and Sara broke into Steph's bedroom, playing "...Ready for It?" by Taylor Swift and throwing a sweatshirt at her that said "In my Fiance era"; she couldn't believe that she had actually surprised Steph. Chris had planned an epic day of events including beauty appointments for Steph and Sara and limo driver to take them through a scavenger hunt of places that are important to their relationship. Steph's bridesmaids recorded video clues for the scavenger hunt, and it culminated at Freedom Park where Chris asked Steph to marry him (after being pushed out by another man wanting to propose to his girlfriend, and before being pushed out by a couple doing their engagement photos). After the proposal, they went out with friends and family to celebrated, and started the whirlwind that is planning a wedding.

Steph and Chris are so excited to ring in the new year and a new chapter of their lives surrounded by all of the people they love the most. They are grateful to their families and bridal party for their continuous support throughout the process, and can't wait to party out of 2024!