We met on Chris' first day of work at the AFNWC, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. One fateful Monday (Halloween)- staff meeting, and both Steff and Chris knew life would never be the same.

Chris and Steff went on a two-week vacation to tour Italy. They started in Venice, and visited several beautiful destinations, including, Verona, Aviano, Amalfi Coast (Minori), Cinque Terra, Pasitano, Orvietto, Rome, and Montepulciano. Little to Steff's knowledge, Chris and Steff's son Jett had come up with a, "Master Plan," where Chris would propose on a long boat in Venice, however, Chris quickly, changed his mind when they were in Venice and found out how crowded and chaotic Venice was. Chris decided to let Steff "choose the location," by feeling out her enjoyment of the places they visited. All the while, Chris was carrying a (very UGLY) drawstring backpack with the ring inside of it, without Steff knowing. While exploring the beautiful town of Montepulciano in the Tuscany countryside, Chris and Steff came across this castle turned into a Winery school. There was a park, with a topiary maze and grapevine covered gazebo. While Steff was captivated by the beauty of the vines in the gazebo, and taking pictures, Chris nervously dropped down to one knee, and waited for Steff to turn around. Steff turned around and said, "Oh this is happening!" Chris said, "Will you make me the happiest man and be my wife?" Steff cried and shook her head saying, "YES!"