Our Story

Rachel grew up in Montclair (mont-clare), NJ, and ironically ended up living in Clermont (clare-mont), FL. Chris was moving from Winter Garden, FL, to Clermont in March 2019. On his last night out in downtown Winter Garden, Chris met Rachel at the Pillars Piano Bar. He knew Rachel was "the one" from the moment he laid eyes on her. Chris and Rachel enjoyed each other's company and conversation that night. They came to learn that they were soon to be neighbors (well...almost neighbors, 1/2 mile away) in Clermont!

When Chris and Rachel parted ways that night, Chris made the bold (and wrong) move of giving his phone number to Rachel. Luckily, Rachel had the wits not to call Chris but let him pursue her if he was sincerely interested. After some harmless FaceBook stalking by Chris, he was able to find out that Rachel was attending an event in downtown Clermont in a few weeks. Chris knew that this was his opportunity to "bump into" Rachel once again...and perhaps rightfully get her digits this time! 

Well...it worked! Chris and Rachel found each other once again, and the rest is history! In the picture, you can see Chris and Rachel enjoying their first date together at the Chef's Table in Winter Garden, FL. 

In January 2023, Chris and Rachel took a trip to London and Paris. Chris went to London for a work trip, and he was celebrating his 40th birthday. Under the not-so-inconspicuous disguise of this 40th birthday celebration, Chris invited Rachel to come along for the big birthday celebration. Rachel couldn't have a clue, right?

Wrong! Just before the trip, Rachel got her nails done. That should have been Chris' first clue that she was on to his ruse. But his overconfident cleverness got the best of him! Chris was sure that his secret plan would work just as perfectly as his FaceBook stalking that led to their first date! 

Chris and Rachel took the Chunnel from London to Paris on January 19, 2023 (Chris' 40th birthday!). They had a wonderful first evening in Paris including dinner in Montmartre, the world famous Moulin Rouge show, and a visit to the Sacre Coeur where they watched the elegant Eiffel Tower twinkle in the distance. Little did Rachel know (or perhaps she did), Chris would be proposing from the iconic tower just hours later!

Chris had done his planning and chose the Trocadero, with one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, as the perfect spot to "pop the question". Chris smuggled a bottle of champagne and two glasses into his coat (along with the special piece of "hardware" he had been carrying for days), as Chris and Rachel made their way to the Trocadero. After about an hour of nervously walking around waiting for the perfect moment, Chris bent to his knee and made his proposal to Rachel. With a warm smile on her face, Rachel said "yes"! They popped the champagne and celebrated, calling their loved ones back home to let them know the joyous news!     

Chris and Rachel are so excited to celebrate their love and make their vows to one another in your company! Their wedding venue, the Howey Mansion located in Howey-in-the-Hills, FL, is the perfect intimate setting for such an occasion! 

Please join Chris and Rachel on April 6, 2024, from 5pm to 11pm, as they embark their lifelong journey together!