After meeting online in October 2023 and getting to know each other for a few weeks, we decided to meet in person half-way between Memphis, TN & Raleigh, NC, in the Smoky Mountains. Our first date was at the most romantic location imaginable, Dolly’s Christmas Stampede in Pigeon Forge, TN! Christine had to get a fishing license and waders for our second date, where Colt taught her how to fly fish. It was a great weekend, and we decided we should see each other again. A few weeks later, Christine made the trip to Raleigh, and a few weeks after that Colt made the trek to Memphis for New Year’s, and after meeting in the middle one more time, we decided we really didn’t like living so far apart. In June, Christine moved to Raleigh & we got engaged on August 10! While our initial interest in each other was driven by our shared Orthodox Christian faith, we also connected on our love of the outdoors, listening to great music, and having the same vision for our future. We are so thankful that God brought us together, and we can’t wait to see what else He has in store for us!