A Marriage of Fate: Stephen and Kris were brought together by being willing and open to new things, and the rest is history

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

This is exactly the mantra that brought Stephen and Kris together, as they met the old-fashioned way: at a bar. They connected over sports and drinking, and got to know each other on a deeper level over time. And now, the two are celebrating their first wedding anniversary, and it is just the first of many, many more.

“Kristina and Stephen are such a good match,” Kris’ little sister Katie said. “From the beginning of their relationship, I was so happily surprised to see how many similar interests and hobbies they have… I can tell that they are best friends because they delight in so much of the same things and enjoy so many adventures together.”

Sports. Music. Food.

These are three of the things Katie highlighted about what brings Kris and Stephen together. Not only that, but they are also good to each other, always have something to talk about, and they just enjoy sharing each other’s presence.

Not only that, but for Stephen in particular, his wife is super easy to love because she has such great character. She is supportive, compassionate, and skilled at everything she does.

“She’s smart but humble,” Stephen said. “Kris is respected but vulnerable. We make a great team and I strive to stay on her level.”

It’s natural to be a better person around Kris, and that is because she brings out the best in everyone. She elevates you to be the best version of yourself, and she encourages you to work hard and reach for greater heights.

She practices what she preaches too, as Kris is an urgent care and family practice physician. She works hard every day, putting her patients’ needs first and making them feel like more than a number.

“She is so impressive,” Stephen said. “I need to make sure I’m seen as a quality match. I want to impress her, or at least not disappoint her. It’s a high standard to meet. But I know she loves me for me anyway.”

Stephen sees the effect Kris has on people, from her friends, coworkers, and patients to his own family and friends. Generosity and thoughtfulness – some of the many attributes he fell in love with – Kris was demonstrating long before they ever met. 

“Kristina has always had my back! I remember when we were little kids, we played a lot of kickball with neighborhood kids,” Katie said. “I was not good AT ALL, so some of the other kids would sometimes be mean or make fun of me. She would always stick up for me, and that’s something that I always think about. This has carried over to adulthood, where she is always willing to listen and to give considerate advice and comfort when needed. I see her provide the same respect and care with her friends and Stephen.”

Kris is a glass half full kind of person, and she is someone who is going to treat every single person with the same amount of respect and love. She is loyal too, and she is just always going to show up and show out, while glowing her signature charm.

“Kris is smart, cool, funny, interesting and engaging,” Stephen said. “We are such a perfect match. We get along so well; we rarely ever fight. And when we do, we can’t stay mad, even if we try.”

That’s how you know these two are meant for each other. Love trumps all in their relationship, and Stephen appreciates that.

Of course, there are a lot of things you learn from a woman of such character as Kris too.

“Kristina is my big sister, so I’ve learned a lot from her! One thing I love about her is her pure enthusiasm for life,” Katie said. “She is always open to go to any concert, any event, and meetup. I know that if there’s something random I want to do, she’ll happily join if she has the availability!”

Kris will go to anything from a baseball game to a séance, as long as her loved ones are having a good time.

Looking forward, Stephen cannot wait to spend the rest of his days with Kris. It has been a wonderful 365 days of marriage so far, and they are just getting started–with Watson the Bernedoodle and Lucky the Rat Terrier along for the ride!

“I love her so much. She makes life a thousand times better. I hope I make her feel the way I do. I suspect so. But I’ll keep working on making sure! We’ve been together almost seven years and now married for one. We’ve got so much in store together. We met less than a year after I moved to Chicago. It was the greatest life-changing decision I’ve ever made.”