We met in college, at Bradley University. In typical Vanessa fashion, she was running late, and also running into class with a very large dog. Chris immediately noticed the beast she brought into class, and in typical Chris fashion, he vehemently opposed dogs during lecture. Overtime, Vanessa's annoyance with Christopher grew into a silent competition only she knew about. Whenever he raised his hand, she stood up, whenever he volunteered his position on a political issue, she countered him, even IF she agreed with him. Finally, when Vanessa thought she was done having class with Chris, she walked into her next lecture only to find him sitting in the professors chair. He was the professors aide, and of course he was. On one very rainy day, Vanessa decided to skip class.. if you're reading this mom, that is a lie). Little did she know, Dr. Tarzi, assigned yet another boring documentary to watch during class, as even he did not want to brave the storm, leaving Chris to host class, by pushing play on an outdated film. The next day, Tarzi sent an email out to the class, clarifying that an essay was due on the film. Vanessa lamented with her friends in class, and Chris turned around in his chair and said, "I can send you the video link, what's your number?" And well... the rest was history!

To those who know us since our undergrad days, the story of Chris and Vanessa was expedited and launched by an outside party who decided to play match maker. On a lunch date with said matchmaker, Vanessa brought up the topic of an annoyingly cute ginger in her class. With which he replied with, "wait I think he's my lab mates roommate!". Ruben, our matchmaker, then provided insider information on Chris's apartment, which he described as, "really clean and organized, kinda gives serial killer vibes, but you can tell where Chris's space starts and ends." If you know Vanessa, you know that cleanliness is gospel, and that in that simple sentence Ruben started a love story that we will all celebrate together on December 4th, 2026.

On August 20th, 2025, Chris executed the most flawless proposal Vanessa has ever experienced(and the only one). Vanessa is a die hard cubs fan as she grew up watching baseball with her grandma Juanita. Wrigley Field not only holds the best team in the MLB (our page our rules), but it now holds a precious memory of Chris and Vanessa's love story. August 20th 2025, Chris lied and told Vanessa he had won a private Wrigley tour. Upon arrival, other group tours were entering the gates and the plan went unnoticed. Vanessa went through the metal detectors, and then Chris followed, but he was held up for having something in his pocket. In that same moment, the tour guide instantly became more interested in Vanessa asking excessive questions and maintaining excruciating eye contact to ensure that Vanessa did not look back. The ring in Chris's pocket had set off the alarms, and he had to pull it out to show the guards who immediately let him in. Vanessa, none the wiser and a little put off by the nosey tour guide, went on the tour in amazement and awe that she had the experience. As if Chris hadn't done enough to wow her, he asked the tour guide, "Can we go out onto the field?" Which Vanessa immediately said, "Are you joking, the Cubs are stretching out there, we cant go." Much to her surprise the tour guide said "yes!", and they descending the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. As Vanessa was turned away, admiring her Cubs players, she turned to find Chris "gone", and down on one knee. Through all the excitement and her gratitude, Vanessa's first words to Chris after he asked, "Will you marry me?" Were, "Thank you!" and she plucked the ring from Chris's hand. She immediately said, "Wait, you should do this, and also, yes!