Depending on who you ask, we met at Miller Park Zoo (Chris's version) or on a dating app (Steph's version), in November 2019. After a few dates, spending most days together, and traveling to Nebraska, Covid-19 hit. Upon figuring out that Philo, and Thelma & Louise would make amicable step-doggos, Steph decided to move to Champaign-Urbana from Bloomington-Normal to complete her pre-doctoral internship while Chris completed his Master's internship at the VA.

These couple of years were filled with many creative at-home dates and outdoor hiking due to "the 'Vid" keeping most social gatherings to a minimum. One such seemingly unremarkable outing took them to Kickapoo State Park, where while sharing a peaceful moment next to the river, Chris remarked to himself that yes the rest of his life would be made better with Steph.

With the finishing of their degrees and start of careers, Steph asked Chris to take the leap and move to the Chicago Suburbs with her. In November 2022, they moved into their home in Glen Ellyn, IL. They began to settle into being homeowners and real adults, continuing to build a life together.

In March 2024, during a seemingly unremarkable outing with the pups to Blackwell park, beside the lake, Steph remarked aloud that yes that she would spend the rest of her life with Chris!

The dogs witnessed, not fully understanding the life-long commitment that was made for them, but happy all the same.

That is what led us to planning our wedding day and celebrating our love in October 2025!