In March of 2023, while Rachel was beginning her first year of residency and Chris was continuing his duties in the Army, neither of them expected that a simple reply on a dating app would change their lives forever. As a prompt on Rachel’s profile read, “We won’t get along if: You don’t consider dogs to be family members”. Chris responded with, “Of course they’re family members!” He would later keep his word by becoming the best dog dad to sweet little Lady After only one week of texting, Rachel and Chris decided to meet in person. They went on their first date which included dinner, great conversation, and an even better connection with one another. The following weeks and months were then filled with more meals together, hikes with the beloved pup, fishing trips, and all of the spontaneous adventures in between. Neither of them ever went on a first date ever again Rachel and Chris spent the first year of their relationship doing long-distance, before they finally moved in together in 2024. That year of living together exceeded all expectations, because the next year in May of 2025, they upgraded from an apartment to a house, giving their family of three more space for even more memories to be made Fast forward to December 7, 2025. The air was cold, and winter was just beginning. This weather though didn’t stop Rachel and Chris from taking Lady to one of their favorite places in Columbia, Capen Park, also known as “Our Place” between the two of them. However, little did Rachel know, this particular visit would not be their usual walk in the park. As they made their way across the bridge over the creek, Chris knelt down on one knee and asked Rachel to marry him. This was the easiest “yes” of Rachel’s life, and the beautiful couple was officially engaged Since their engagement, Rachel and Chris have been busy with wedding planning, but when they’re not deciding on tablescapes or talking with vendors, they enjoy going to church together, trying new brunch spots, traveling with Lady (and her new brother, Max), and bingeing their favorite shows and movies. The future is bright for Rachel and Chris, as they look forward to the wedding this fall, moving to a new city for Rachel’s Fellowship, and eventually growing their family