Nothin' fancy, just love.

Christian and Krista’s story goes back to the early 2000’s, where they both attended Aylor Middle School in Stephens City, VA. The two have almost always known of one another, hanging out in different social circles, but sitting in the same classrooms. Both eventually graduated from Sherando High School in 2011 and went their separate ways much like the other 300+ peers they graduated with. Never giving any thought to their path’s crossing again in the future. Fast forward to January 2018. Krista had just graduated from Radford University with her Bachelor’s degree in 2017 and was figuring out her post graduate life. Christian had attended the university around that same time, but eventually left to hit the open road with his best friend, Ben, working as a contractor. Krista and Christian had been following each other on social media, but really didn’t interact with one another. That was until Christian noticed a tweet Krista posted about Radford University (and how it was the best school ever). Agreeing with her sentiments about the university, he replied to her tweet and the two struck up a conversation. Eventually, Christian slid into Krista’s DM’s on twitter, asking for her phone number. Krista, at the time, was out at Brewbakers (a local bar that has sadly changed hands) but amidst the dancing and sips with her girlfriends, sat down and texted Christian until the night was over. From there, they were almost always exchanging texts. Several weeks go by and Christian asks Krista to meet up at Union Jack’s, a pub in downtown Winchester. Krista, thinking Christian just wanted to reconnect as friends, said yes. Christian was very polite in his conversations with Krista and she didn’t realize his kindness was actually flirtatious. However, once Krista sat down at the table with Christian, she felt something different. The two started talking as if they’d been long time friends. Exchanging stories about their jobs, Radford adventures, and how ironic it was that they’d been around each other almost their whole lives, but never truly connected until 2018. After a few sips, the pair sat and talked until the bar closed and they were asked to leave. Christian walked Krista back to her car, and much to her surprise, went in for a good night kiss! A few weeks later, after a dinner at the Butcher’s Station, Christian and Krista made it official.

The pair moved quickly. After about 4 months of dating, they got their own apartment in downtown Winchester. If you ask them both, living in that little apartment was one of the best times. Aside from living downtown and being close to everything, that apartment is where a lot of big plans were made. Krista, working as a behavior specialist at Grafton School, wanted something more. So, in 2019 she applied for graduate school and got in! The two were moving to Knoxville! Simultaneously, in the background, Christian was planning to propose. Krista had gone on a beach trip with Lisa, her aunt, and this was the perfect opportunity for Christian to ask Krista’s dad for his approval. Christian took Jeff out to dinner at Macado’s and nervously asked if he could propose to Krista. Jeff, who absolutely loves Christian, said yes. Christian then went to the jewelry store, picked out a ring that he knew Krista had her eye on, and devised his plan. Christian shared his plans with Krista’s mom, Julie, and she was over the moon. Same for Christian’s parents, Betsy and Joe, who Krista had grown increasingly close with. Krista came back from her beach trip, and began planning a birthday dinner with some of her close friends at El Centro in downtown Winchester. Right before the dinner Krista’s longtime friend, Casey, took Krista out to get a manicure for what she said was a birthday present. Krista started to get suspicious, but was thankful for the gift. July 3rd rolled around, and it was time to celebrate Krista’s birthday! Many of her close friends and family came to the dinner, but Christian was running late. This was no surprise to Krista because, well, it’s not unusual for Christian to be late. So, she decided to have a margarita and kill some time. Christian kept texting her, giving any excuse he could about why he was late. Eventually, he did come, and everyone ate dinner. Krista thought the whole time that Christian was going to propose at the dinner….but he didn’t. So, she let the idea go and just enjoyed everyone’s company. This weekend was particularly busy downtown because of a local Independence Day celebration. If you know Krista, you know she loves to be in the action. So, after dinner, Krista wanted to see what the celebration was about, maybe get a drink somewhere. However, Christian was frantically trying to figure out how he was going to propose. Because of the crowds, his original plan to propose at Union Jacks where they had their first date was out the window. Thankfully, Christian had another trick up his sleeve. He directed the entire dinner party to the BB&T parking lot behind Union Jack. It just so happened the very parking spot Krista had parked in that night of their first kiss was open! Christian got down on one knee in front of everyone and popped the question! In true Krista fashion, she enthusiastically yelled about how she knew he was planning something and accepted his proposal. The two spent the rest of the night celebrating the big occasion with family and friends.

Just a few short weeks later, Krista and Christian pack up their little apartment and move 420 miles away to Knoxville, Tennessee. Krista started her graduate program and Christian got a job selling cremation services (which, both agree was a very weird time in life), but eventually found his calling in logistics and moved jobs. The early stages of the move to Knoxville were difficult. Moving away from home and relying on one income was really tough, then came the pandemic. The two never let the tough times create a divide, though. If anything, it made them appreciate each other more. Each recognizing the dedication and sacrifices made to better their future together. Often, you will hear them talk about a conversation they had with Betsy and Joe, Christian’s parents. The pair had just unloaded the moving truck into their new apartment with the help of Christian’s parents. Right as they were about to leave, Betsy and Joe made a comment that is, to this day, imbedded in their minds. “Be kind to one another. You’re all each other has now”, quickly became a mantra they would lean into when things got difficult. Over the nearly 3 years the pair spent in Knoxville, they began to grow roots. Both fell in love with the Scruffy City and all it has offered them. They became regulars at a little dive bar, Maries, where they sing karaoke and planned their entire wedding. Cades Cove in Smoky Mountain National Park became a home away from home, providing them opportunities to disconnect from the chaos of life. They ate at their first food truck park, participated in community organized demonstrations, and even added a new kitten to the family! Reflecting on their relationship, Christian and Krista are often amazed at what they’ve fit into the last 4 years. The pair have really grown together, keeping their love at the forefront of every decision they make