Real People in Love: Danielle & Chris

Danielle at Dinosaur Toes was an obvious choice as someone to choose to include in this series. My mom once read one of her wish list Wednesdays and said "she sounds just like you." Danielle, Chris & the parrot, Flojo, have so much fun together, they are definitely some more "wish we could be friends." Plus Danielle & Chris are pros at being married, they're celebrating their 10th anniversary this September!

How old are you and your husband?

I'm 27 and he's 31.

What are your occupations?

Chris is an architectural designer, but off the clock he pretty much does anything. He really likes building things, whether it's fabricated from metal, wood, or anything else he can find, he just likes building! I'm an advertising sales rep part time (don't ask me how I got into that field when I'm so shy). Every other hour of my day is spent making things to sell in (and outside of) my Etsy shop, and doing some web design.

How did you meet?

It's so embarrassing, and I don't really tell anyone, but we actually met via the good ole world wide web. It was sort of an accident since I was supposed to be talking to a friend from work (it was in a local chat since my stepmom blocked IM's).

How did you get engaged?

Chris and I had never seen a sunset together, so we decided we'd go to the Blue Ridge Parkway one evening to finally watch it. He handed me a single rosebud, knowing that I would sniff it, and when I did, I saw a diamond inside! He asked me if I'd spend the rest of my life with him, and after I said yes he gave me 2 dozen roses. We took pictures, watched the sunset, then called everyone we knew!

Tell us about your wedding day (not necessarily elements but feelings too)

It was stressful! Chris had pleurisy and was so medicated he can't remember some parts! It was a busy morning with so many pictures, and all I wanted to do was see Chris!

When it was finally time for Dad to walk me down the aisle, he started crying and asked, "You know those glow in the dark boxers you got me?" "Yes," I said, getting sniffly myself. "Well, I'm wearing them." Then we both started crying and laughing and had to walk down the aisle like that! I have to admit, I don't really remember what the preacher said because I just wanted to hug Chris so badly, but I do remember that once he was finished talking, he never said, "You may now kiss the bride." So Chris asked if he could kiss me, everyone laughed, then we had our first married kiss!

During the reception, I nearly dropped a meatball on my dress, but the rest was pretty fun!

Define Love:

In a single word: work. It's fun and silly and sometimes ridiculously difficult, but it's also the best thing you could ever hope for! I think that if a relationship doesn't require any work, then it isn't as deep as it should be.

What's the toughest part of being in a committed relationship?

Always needing to remember and consider his wants and needs. it's so easy when you're dating or single to do what you want when you want, but once you're married, it isn't only about you anymore, and it can be a difficult adjustment, even after several years!

What is the best part?

Knowing that you're always with the person who knows, understand and accepts you better than anyone else.

What is the best day you and your husband have had together?

There are two days that really stand out. One is a morning several years ago when we went to breakfast together before going Christmas shopping, and we sat there talking until they switched to lunch. We just sort of got lost in conversation and the other people and noise just seemed to disappear. The other time, I can't even remember when it was, we took a long walk through the woods and sat to take a break under some pines. The sun was so warm, and we just laid there for what must have been hours talking and relaxing.

What makes you different from other couples?

I'd say it's our playfulness. We love to play fight and wrestle, and his mom says that if we don't stop before we have kids, they'll end up being bullies because of the way they see us playing. One of our favorite playful things is when Chris (who is really tall) will hold onto my hands and swing me down toward the floor (feet first) and under his legs, sort of like a swing dancing move!

What is the most essential element of making it?

Compromise. It's so easy to be stubborn, but you really have to give in, even though you may not want to. Chris and I have gotten a lot better than we used to be, but it's still so hard to give in and get past something when you just want to be right. Sometimes it just isn't worth the fuss.

What is your favorite thing to do together?

We really like going for rides on the motorcycle when the weather is nice, and we'll stop along the way to just sit and talk. We like going for walks through the woods and watching the birds. We also like playing tennis together, but by the time we leave, we're a little irritated...in a good, laugh at each other kind of way, though!

Do you have a song?

Hmmmm, we don't have a romantic song or anything, but when we were dating Chris always had a Filter CD playing, and the song "Take a Picture" is sort of nostalgic. Also, "Song 2" by Blur is a special song for silly reasons. Chris does a voice that sounds like it should be on a cartoon, and he always sings that song in his voice to make me laugh.

What are your hopes for the future?

For Chris, this answer would be children. I think I'm still too scared of that, so my hope would be that we would own our own business in the next few years.

Anything else the world needs to know about love?

That it isn't what it looks like in the movies, so don't be fooled!

(Note from Cole: These pictures were taken Friday when Chris & Danielle were snowed in, kinda makes me want to get a headdress just in case I ever need it)