Growing up in a small town like Wyoming, Chris was never a stranger to Katie. They knew who each other were, as Chris was best friend's with Katie's cousin. Chris and Katie were only separated by one year in school, but did not get to know each other well until a family friend's graduation party in May of 2008. In Chris's words, Katie was sitting on a couch alone and he was going to be a "nice guy" and talk to her. Little did he know, that decision would impact the rest of his life! They started dating in December 2008 when Katie started High School at Wyoming with Chris. He took her to O'Charleys for their first date and dated throughout High School. As a Miami Redhawk and an Indiana Hoosier, this was not the only time they lived apart. They dated long-distance when Chris moved to Chicago and Katie lived in Cincinnati, until Chris moved home in the fall of 2017. After a decade of dating Chris FINALLY popped the question... and the rest is history!

Chris did not miss a single detail in asking the most important question of his life! He knew Katie wanted to be surrounded by family and friends to celebrate a very special moment. He made sure that was possible by including Katie's late father at a bench donated in his memorial at the Wyoming Golf Club. This bench is strategically placed on hole 6, where Katie's Dad got a hole in one before his passing. Knowing how important Katie's family is to her, Chris had Katie's Mom walk their family dog on the golf course only to be surprised with her favorite flowers on her favorite bench. Following the proposal, Chris arranged for their family and friend's to surprise her at his childhood home. It was the best way to start celebrating their most exciting year yet!