VALINE & CHRIS

Engaged  |  Skylands Manor, Ringwood, NJ

Everything about this couple makes me joyful. Their love for each other, their love for God and the world, how we all met… it’s all just wonderful. I first met Valine in Italy, crazily enough, and I remember sharing stories about our lives, relationships and family with each other as we walked to different churches and ruins each day learning about art, culture and history. We enlightened and challenged each other with our views on love, marriage and the world, and along with our other brilliant and animated roommate, Ali, we traveled to Florence, Naples, Sorrento and Capri in our spare time. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

Life took us in different directions over the next four years, but, as old friends do, we picked up right where we left off without missing a beat. And this time, I met Chris. Handsome, charming, funning, patient, kind, smart – he was the perfect pair for Valine. He told me about all of his preparation to propose to Valine and, or course, how there was one little unforeseen hitch… that it was Nurse’s Week and Valine was being honored at the hospital. After a few tweaks to the plan, Chris and Valine went to the hospital event (which always runs longer than usual). By the time they were able to leave, Chris’ jitters were nearing their excitement breaking point. He was coordinating with friends setting up the details and lighting, photographers, and racing the clock to make it before sunset and before their permit time was expired, yet he stayed calm, cool and collected the whole time! As most girlfriends do, Valine began to notice the extra few texts and slightly more structured date night plan, but she wasn’t expecting the proposal. Finally, under the stars and twinkle lights, Chris got down on his knee and asked Valine to marry him. I am so ecstatic for these two and I am in awe of how perfect life’s journey will unfold when you are open, trusting and joyful. Valine and Chris are beautiful witnesses to love, inside and out and I can’t wait for their amazing wedding day when they will officially be husband and wife!!

Enjoy!