You can call this “Crystelle’s idea”, but our story with a phone call, neither of us quite sure what to expect. To say it went well is an understatement, Stephen managed to be charming and witty (at least he chooses to believe so) and Crystelle was nothing short of captivating (both sides agree on this part). Coming from two very different worlds, it was amazing how much we had in common. Fast forward a few days, and we met at the coffee bar at 900 Michigan Ave. Within minutes, we decided to get our drinks to go to the lakefront for a walk. It’s remarkable how quickly the chemistry started to build, it was clear we were people the other wanted to get to know more. It was during that walk that we shared our first memory, one that Stephen says he’ll keep with him forever. At some point during the walk, a bee began to chase Crystelle. As she waved her arms vigorously spinning in circles, Stephen saw for the first time the addictive smile and laugh he’d come to be unable to live without. It was only a matter of days before we saw each other again, this time, meeting for dinner on a lake front patio. The second date picked up right where the first left off, laughing, smiling and all the while unknowingly writing the first chapter of our story. As Stephen walked Crystelle back to her apartment, we held hands for the first time and could both feel the butterflies starting to flutter. The conversation continued into the late evening listening to a few songs sitting around the kitchen at Crystelle’s. As it started to get late, it was time for Stephen to head home. His heart pounding as he tried to gather the courage to kiss her. As we stood up to walk to the door, our eyes locked, and Crystelle pulled Stephen in close and kissed him (that’s right, SHE KISSED HIM). Call it sparks, fireworks or God’s plan, but as Stephen puts it, he knew in that moment, that he was in trouble, that all he wanted was the gift of more time with stunning bride.