Like all great modern love stories, ours began with a swipe right. Chris and Riley matched on Bumble, exchanged a few witty messages, and then life got busy and the chat fizzled. Classic. But a few months later, the universe nudged them back toward each other and this time, for good. As they got to know one another, they realized their worlds had already been colliding: Chris went to high school with some of Riley’s college friends. Small world. Smaller Atlanta. Their first date was in Roswell in early 2021: a hike with Riley’s new puppy, Goose (a strategic move by Riley). From that point on, weekends were spent together doing mildly competitive things. Topgolf (Riley almost won), bowling (she also almost won), and putt-putt (you get the idea). Chris says he was letting her win. Riley isn’t buying it. Some say Chris fell in love with Goose before he fell for Riley, but thankfully, he stuck around for both. Not long after, he invited her to a pickleball tournament, claiming he was a “professional.” She was skeptical until she saw him play.. and WOW. In July 2021, Riley met the Eastwood family. It started with a road trip with Chris’s brother and sister-in-law, and later that day, the rest of the family was awaiting their arrival. She passed the test in the car and barely survived the Eastwood “initiation,” which included a wine tasting at The Landings that ended with Riley fully blacked out. Memorable for everyone… except her. Eventually, love deepened. Riley was the first to say “I love you.” Chris, ever the tortoise, took his time, often reminding her: “The tortoise wins the race.” Her friends, like her, quickly fell in love with Chris, and the feeling was mutual. He came to every group hang and won hearts with his dry humor, calm energy, and competitiveness. Then in early 2022, a pipe burst in Riley’s house. Chris generously offered her a place to stay. (Okay, mostly for Goose.) Living together was easy and full of shared loves like Mexican food, Costco runs, Domino’s pizza (Riley converted him from Papa John’s), and Stilton with port, in proper British fashion. In 2023, their partnership became official in more ways than one: Chris earned his real estate license, and they teamed up in business. Navigating wild clients, long days, and late closings has only made them stronger as a whole. Their families adore them together. Riley’s dad teaches Chris golf, her mom admires their balance. Chris’s family made it official, too by inviting Riley into a family wedding and adding her to the Eastwood family portrait. In mid-2024, they bought their first home together in The Landings, which I am sure you have gathered, is a place that had become full of memories. It felt like a major milestone and a hint that something even bigger was on the horizon. For years, Chris had been lovingly (and relentlessly) questioned during Landings visits: “So… when are you going to propose?” He smiled. He dodged. He panicked. Then, he delivered. On New Year’s Eve 2024, during the Myriad Ball at The Landings, Chris pulled off the perfect surprise. He had already asked Riley’s parents for their blessing. That night, he disappeared for what felt like forever. He was secretly getting the ring from his dad and one last pep talk. Just before a “family photo,” Chris spun Riley around, dropped to one knee, and surprised everyone because no one (aside from his parents) knew it was happening. It was heartfelt, meaningful, and perfectly them. Now they’re preparing to say "I do" in The Landings, the very place where their story has unfolded so beautifully. It’s a full-circle moment in a community they love, surrounded by the people who’ve supported them every step of the way. Goose will, naturally, be overseeing the entire event. Chris brings calm and steadiness to Riley’s whirlwind energy. Riley brings passion and just enough chaos to keep Chris on his toes. Together, they’re a team in every sense of the word. And this? This is just the beginning.