“It’s not over.” Those are the words Chris swears he heard as he walked away from getting turned down by Paiden. He’d taken a risk and asked his friend to go on a date with him…and she said no. But he had total peace that that was not the end of their story. Meanwhile, Paiden drove away crying and conflicted because she truly cherished their friendship. They were sophomores in college and they’d known each other from their college ministry for over a year. And that semester, Chris had gotten bold! Upon hearing Paiden shared a required course with him, he quickly transferred into her class so he could get more time with her. She asked him for a vanilla coke one day, so he brought her a vanilla coke every chance he could. And he stole away moments, asked for car rides, and continued to get to know Paiden in every way he could think of. But here he was, getting turned down. And he still had full confidence that he’d get another chance! And so he did!

Shortly after winter break, Paiden knew she wanted to put her heart on the line too. She’d thought about Chris ever since she’d turned him down and finally started to see him as more than a friend. She was at the local coffee shop, talking to her sister about Chris, and low and behold, Chris walks in. (Chris had seen via instagram that she was there and just knew he had to get over there too :]) On her way out, Paiden asked him to talk later, and Chris texted her immediately asking if they could meet up that very hour. They were on the same page. And the rest is history! Almost three years of coffee dates and college life and pointing each other towards Jesus later and Chris got to ask the question he’d wanted to ask since almost the very beginning. Amidst their regular coffee orders, there was a ring box waiting for Paiden! And now they’re getting married in May!

Chris and Paiden have the very best love story. I wish all of you had the privilege of hearing Chris tell it! The way he cares for Paiden just gushes out of him with every word! He knows just how lucky he is to be with her! And Paiden is equally lucky. I’m not sure that Chris is who she would’ve pictured for herself, but he is her perfect partner! They both passionately love Jesus and people and desire to live a life full of meaning. I don’t know if anyone would’ve placed them together at first meeting, but God’s plan is better than anyone’s guesses! Chris and Paiden are going to be unstoppable as husband and wife!

Can you tell I love these two? And that maybe I know them just a little bit :] I knew Chris and Paiden as the younger siblings of one of our college friends and one of our college students long before I knew them personally. After hearing about each of them for so long, we finally got to meet them when they came to Radford as freshmen. And then we got the extreme joy of getting to know them as they grew into adults, grew further in their walks with Christ, and grew more in love with each other! I got to disciple (mentor) Paiden for a few years AND they just so happen to be Ollie’s fave babysitters. He talks about “PT & Chris” weekly and misses them like crazy now that they’ve moved. So do we!

Hope you enjoy their Roanoke engagement session! We laughed the ENTIRE time!

And ode to their favorite thing to do together!

Confession: I’ve always wanted to shoot Paiden’s wedding. She’s gorgeous and her style is on point…but even better is the way that Chris smiles when he’s with her!!

The best smiles!

Just one of the many times we started laughing hysterically!

She’s the cutest!

Their first date was at Mill Mountain so it was only fitting to take some pictures at their Roanoke location!

2nd location was stunner!

The ring! All the heart eyes!

I love them!