Our Story

She Says:
I've been in love with Chip for almost as long as I can remember. He was the magical one who, as my mother says, "melted the ice queen." I met Chip when he sat in front of me in my 9th grade biology class and ever since, I've been smitten! What can I say? The adorable, towheaded sailing champ coasted into my heart and firmly dropped anchor. Throughout high school, we ran the same events in track and took the same classes, which led to affectionate competition. I think he came out for the track team just to chase me.

By the time I headed off to USC at the ripe old age of 16, I was head over heels. I knew when I left Florida that it would be difficult to keep our love alive while living at opposite ends of the country. I asked him only that he "Save the last dance for me." And he did.

Why did I love him so? Well, he adored me back when I was a geek with a scoliosis back brace, crazy hair and a metal mouth. Chip cared for me through all of life's changes, disappointments and losses, and supported me when I took big risks or embarked on royal adventures. He has always challenged me, interested me, encouraged me and balanced me as a person. Whereas I can be a bit too introspective, he has a genuine lust for life that breaks my "analysis paralysis." Since I fell for Chip, I've lived all over -- from Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. to Gran Canaria (Spain) and Nashville. In all of those places, I've never met anyone who loves me more or makes me happier.

Our relationship has matured and grown over the years, despite and because of its countless obstacles: separate colleges, study abroad programs, internships, co-ops and more. Such obstacles separated us geographically, but never emotionally.

Upon taking my first job out of college, I moved to Nashville. I was delighted when a few months later, Chip followed suit. Since then, we've lived independent lives with the intention of fully establishing ourselves as adults before forming a union. Three years later, at the intersection of a new career for Chip and a new home opportunity, we decided it was finally time to tie the knot. I'm very excited about beginning a shared life with the boy I fell in love with years ago, now the man of my dreams. - Channing

He Says:
Of all the bio classes in the world, she had to walk into mine. Call it fate, call it destiny or perhaps clairvoyant seating arrangement by Professor Arndt, but there was something about Channing that made her special. Most importantly, she laughed at all of my jokes and classroom shenanigans. Over the course of high school, the roots of our relationship took hold and a friendship blossomed into what was to be a truly blessed and beautiful love.

Before leaving for USC, Channing was pessimistic about our relationship but I was convinced that nowhere could I find someone with the same ability to love, challenge, inspire and excite me. To me, her mind, body and soul are unparalleled and her star is always shining. Therefore, I was determined to stay close to her heart even while separated by thousands of miles.