Meet the Families

We feel very lucky to have found each other and to have enjoyed a long and happy relationship. Like any couple, we’ve faced challenges that we had to learn to navigate including being apart for long periods and changing career paths. The hardest moments were our struggles with infertility and IVF as we both always envisioned being parents.

Through these challenges, we have remained committed to each other, had countless amazing experiences, and have only grown closer as time moves on. We moved into the city, became married in a beautiful ceremony, bought a condo, adopted two hilarious and cuddly cats, and had tons of laughs along the way.

We now know intimately that we can’t predict the challenges and changes that lie ahead, but we’ve proven that whatever happens we will make it through together. Our unshakeable bond and lust for life is what makes our love story a success, and now we can’t wait to welcome a child into our lives to help write the next chapter of our family.

About Steph

My name is Stephanie, Steph for short, and at 33 years old, some people may say it’s time to stop dying my hair with vibrant color. However, this is still one of my favorite forms of self-expression and in my field of social work, authenticity and individuality are expected and celebrated, which helps me do the same for my clients and my loved ones.

 I’m from a small town in rural Vermont with more cows than people. I’m an only child, only grandchild, and only niece. Though my parents were eventually separated, they remain friendly and both have remarried lovely individuals.

On any given day, you can find me spending time with my husband and our precious cats (who will be introduced later), thrift shopping, laughing with friends, and making charcuterie boards.

Steph According to Chris:

“Steph has always been a natural at connecting. Her thoughtfulness, empathy, and honesty draws people to her, and also makes her perfect for her Social Work career. Although she’s the master of getting deep, she also has an amazing sense of humor. Hearing her trademark (and surprisingly loud) laugh makes every conversation with her so much fun.”

About Chris

My name is Chris and I am an endlessly curious and creative person, constantly learning and tinkering. This has led me to have many skills including filmmaking, design, woodworking, electronics, and more.

I grew up as the second-oldest of four brothers, all two years apart in age. Our childhood home was a constant hub of activity, playing together and with neighbor kids. My biggest passion is music. It’s something my parents always encouraged and supported. We regularly had family jam sessions with drums, guitars, and amps, they provided us. I later attended college where I double majored in Film and Jazz Guitar.

After Steph and I got together and moved to the city, I worked in marketing at a tech company for seven and a half years. Recently, I realized I was ignoring my true calling, so I began a career change to become a high-school music teacher. I’m now a substitute teacher in my public school district, working towards my goal, and absolutely loving my new career path!

Chris According to Steph:

“Chris has an incredible way of making everyone he interacts with feel seen and welcome. He has a genuine interest in learning about everyone he meets. Chris’s curiosity also translates to being a lifelong learner; he is constantly picking up new skills and sharing them with others. It’s no surprise that this has translated into him becoming a teacher.”

Our Community

 Keeping track of Chris’s large family is a challenge compared to Steph’s small family, but we still manage to gather frequently with everyone. We also have a large network of friends, who to us are chosen family and we wouldn’t be where we are today without their love and support. Archie and Sgt. Pepper are two former stray cats that joined our family a year apart. They are loving, social cats and have brought so much joyful chaos to our lives. All the members of our community are (almost) as excited as we are to welcome a child into our circle.

Our Home and City

 We bought our first home together a couple years ago! It is a historic brownstone condo situated in a small, vibrant city that is also a cultural epi-center. We’ve done a lot of DIY work on our home, including painting and decorating everything to make it uniquely us. Our city is very diverse and communal, often holding events and celebrations that bring everyone together. Our front door looks out on a road used for parades, like the Afro-Caribbean Heritage parade pictured here. Close to parks, schools, art and concert venues, libraries, and beaches – we can’t think of a better place to raise a child!