How it all began
—
The first time I saw Chris, he was singing in a student showcase performance at the University of North Texas during my audition visit in 2018. I remember thinking "WOW that guy is *so* loud (and so cute)"! Fast forward to the start of the school year where I had my very first voice studio class. For those of you who don't know, studio class is designed to meet once a week for voice students to perform in front of their classmates who share the same voice teacher. It's a time for all of us to build each other up and share what we are working on (absolutely nerve-racking if you ask me). I was happy to see a familiar face when I walked in, even though he had no idea who I was.
Right away, I knew we would be friends. Why? Well... Chris always has something to say, and it's very rare that I don't laugh or smile at whatever it is. He would always be the first person to speak up in class to offer very witty (but intellectually stimulating) remarks in an Aussie accent. I always found myself giggling under my breath or trying not to laugh out loud in order not to draw any attention to myself because unlike Chris, I tend to keep a pretty low profile in new environments. He came right up to me after class and immediately offered words of encouragement with a full list of operatic repertoire he would like to hear me sing. Did I ask for that? Absolutely not, but I didn't mind because he had such a fun, sincere, and enthusiastic way about him that I wanted to hear what he had to say.
Chris and I quickly became friends and enjoyed regular inside jokes, laughs, and conversation. He always offered the most thoughtful advice and was (and still is) always willing to help me and others around him. I was drawn to his kindness, honesty, and sincerity from the get go. I think we both knew from early on in our relationship that our connection was special. I feel extremely lucky and grateful to have a best friend like Chris who teaches me what love is every single day. Starting a life with him and Noah is such an easy decision. An absolute no brainer. He makes me feel safe, totally at peace, and completely seen. I have found a true home in our family together.
—
I remember the first day I saw Kori. It was at school, in the lobby to one of the performance halls. She walked through the doors, surrounded by a group of friends who were obviously entranced by whatever story she was telling them, and she was laughing generously with them. It was easy to see, even from afar, that she was well-loved. She had a country sort of look to her, with a flannel shirt and tight high-waisted jeans, long blonde hair flowing around her face and catching every ounce of light available to it. Everything about her screamed "genuine"; a very Australian trait and obviously, an attractive one. Not to mention of course, that she was so very easy on the eyes. I remember the first time I heard Kori sing. Her sound has always been as generous as her laughter and she can hardly wonder why I took the opportunity to talk to her about her singing at the first chance I got.
Honestly, I thought we would have gotten closer quicker but we only really knew each other in passing and from our weekly studio classes for much of Kori's Masters degree. It wasn't until we eventually got to share a regular class together that we became friends and, I think, we became for each other a reciprocal source of both encouragement and support, as well as a good laugh. Getting to know Kori, I reconnected with parts of myself and my own story that had eroded a little in the American climate. I felt more myself with her than I had for some time. I know Kori felt the same way, especially given the hardships life had thrown at her over the previous years. We revitalised (Aussie spelling) each other, and it was clear that we had begun to grow together, just as we grew from friends to partners.
Kori will tell you that I made the first move, but let it be known that she dropped the "L" word first... twice. For all of her protestations about wanting to take things slow, she told me she loved me, by accident, twice, on two separate occasions. Of course, I loved her as well, basically from the get-go, but let it be known that she said it first... twice! Getting married to Kori and forming a family with her and Noah isn't scary. It feels natural. It feels right and exciting and like the greatest adventure I could ever go on. With them I feel at home, no matter where in the world we might be.
And the rest is history.
