We started as across-the-hall neighbors in 2018. Over the next two years, we went from neighbors to study buddies to best friends. When Isabella brought home Freddie the Basset Hound in July 2019, we became canine co-parents and Christophe finally realized that Isabella was "the one" (Isabella had realized this back in 2018).

We finally started dating towards the end of October 2019, and by January 2020 we were seriously talking about a future together. By February 2020, Christophe had bought a ring and Isabella was anxiously awaiting THE question. On a Sunday afternoon, Christophe asked Isabella if she would go on a walk with him and Freddie through Southern Village. This was the community in which we had met, became best friends, raised a puppy together, and fallen in love. We sat on a park bench swing and reminisced on favorite memories from the past two years and dreamed about what our future together held. At the perfect moment. Christophe pulled out of his back pocket a bow-tie for Freddie and a rose for Isabella. He got down on one knee and asked the easiest question Isabella had ever been asked, "Will you marry me?"

With all of the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, we decided to cancel our plans for a June celebration and instead were married in an intimate, backyard ceremony on May 16, 2020 in Park City, Utah. We are still so sad that we couldn't share this day with all of our friends and family. We are hopeful that COVID-19 restrictions will allow for a future celebration with all those that mean so much to us - so stay tuned! In the meantime, we wanted to share a piece of that special day with everyone. We have written our vows below and posted pictures from our ceremony on the photo section of this website.

Christophe, you have brought my life so much joy. The first time we met - I knew instantly that we were going to be good friends and hoped that one day we might get to be something more. You are the most interesting person I’ve ever met. You truly are a Renaissance man. Every day with you is an adventure, whether it’s exploring outdoors with Freddie, creating a masterful cake in the kitchen, battling over a game of Catan, or sitting together and studying. Thank you for taking care of me when I’m sick, for hugging me when I cry, and for laughing with me when I’m happy. Thanks for being as excited to join the Alder family as I am excited to join the Guynn family. Today, as we demonstrate our commitment to each other in front of family, friends, and our Heavenly Parents - I am so excited to think about the life we have in front of us. I promise to match your quick wit, to challenge your ideas, and to inspire you to be your best self. I promise to be there to celebrate with you in your highs and support you through your lows. I promise to choose you every day and to put forth the work that a strong marriage requires. I’ve loved being your friend, your best friend, your girl friend, and your fiancé. I’m so excited today and forever more to be your wife, your partner, and your team mate for life.

Isabella Elle, I love you so much and I am so excited to marry you today. I hope to never forget seeing you elegantly glide down the aisle toward me in your beautiful white dress and veil, as well as standing before you today and looking into your beautiful eyes. I look forward to our experience together kneeling over an alter when we are married for time and all eternity in the temple. When we first met two years ago at Taqueria 27, I thought I was just trying to convince you to choose UNC as the place for your PhD. I had no idea that I had just taken the first step toward becoming best friends, study buddies, puppy parents, sweethearts, fiances, and eventually husband and wife. I realize it took my longer than you to realize we were perfect fits for each other, and that it required a lot of patience on your part. Bur from the outset, I admired your kind nature and enjoyed looking at your beautiful smile. I was drawn closer and closer to you by your persistent acts of service and love, your inherent goodness, your love of board games and Freddie, your sense of humor, your love of ideas, and your willingness to discuss and even debate controversial ideas with me. Isabella Elle, I now know with a surety that you are the woman referred to in my patriarchal blessing as the woman who our Father in Heaven appointed to be my eternal companion. I am so grateful that you were patient with me. As I look back on it, you came into my life the way I imagine a bright, white, glimmering angel might descend from the sky on an errand from our Heavenly Parents. You have filled my soul with greater joy and happiness than I previously imagined could be possible.

Isabella Elle, I promise to love you and care for you with all my heart I promise to express my love and appreciation to you each day in meaningful ways, such as by giving you flowers, cooking a meal, taking Freddie for a walk, playing with our future [many, many] children or helping them with their homework. [Look at each of them] Isabella Elle, Steve and Gena Alder, Mom and Dad - I promise to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, and to do my part so that we can return together with our family to live with our Heavenly Parents. I promise to help you become a wonderful mother like yours has been and mine has been. I promise to help you complete your PhD in public health and, to the extent possible, work together as health professionals. I promise to commit myself 100% to your happiness. Isabella Elle, I love you. And it is the greatest honor of my life to know that you found me to be worthy of your hand that and that you have chosen me like I am choosing you to be eternal companions.