Chris Pirrung
Writing a short bio about someone whom I love so dearly and about whom I have so much to say is an extraordinarily difficult task!! I could start with where he was born (Atlanta, GA) and raised (Charlotte, NC), or I could tell you about what he does in his professional life where he is hard at work in the lab as a psychologist, working on his PhD, doing incredible research, mapping brains, and telling me in animated language (not all of which I entirely understand) all about why humans are the way they are.
I could also tell you about his hobbies and how he loves to paint figurines and tell me all about the many, many games that he loves to play and read about in his spare time. I’m always amazed how well he is able to strategically work his way through these games (and honestly quite jealous because I can’t even focus enough to learn the instructions half of the time). Another thing I could tell you about is his curiosity and love for space and the universe. We have had many a long hike that has ventured into conversations about cosmic what-ifs and far-fetched theories on the civilizations and other possibilities that exist beyond our known world.
Another thing I could tell you about is his love for animals and how much he cares for Spoon and Lasagna, our two cats. Though he grew up exclusively around dogs–I can’t tell you how many times he’s mentioned wanting to adopt a golden retriever–he’s always had respect for all living things from goats to turtles (two of his particular favorite animals). If he sees a frog, it is “a friend,” and if he sees a furry animal like a fat little squirrel, it is a “floof.”
I don’t know how I was lucky enough to meet such an intelligent, goofy, creative, and thoughtful person, but I am thankful every day to have him in my life and by my side. There’s so much more I could tell you about him, but it’s so much better if you find out yourself! 🙂
-Katie Rose
Katie Rose Hand
Where do I even start with describing Katie Rose? Well, first off, she’s an incredibly kind, understanding, and loving person. She cares about her family and friends so much and always tries to support them however she can. She’s such a good-natured person, in fact, that she won’t even play games with me where we have to play as the bad guys because she doesn’t like being evil.
She’s also so so so talented to the point it makes me jealous. She loves playing the trombone (and sackbut) and is very driven to be better. She is also incredibly passionate about teaching, and hopes to one day play and teach trombone professionally. She’s also constantly picking up new hobbies and always masters them super quickly. One month the oven will be on nonstop as she bakes up a storm, the next she’s learning how to sew or paint. I love watching her try new things and develop new skills.
There’s nothing she loves more, though, than being outside. Whether it’s hiking, running, mountain biking, camping, or even just sitting outside with friends, if it’s outdoors she is all for it. Her idea of the perfect vacation isn’t relaxing on a beach, or exploring a big city, but instead camping and exploring nature. Honestly, if it were entirely up to her, we’d probably spend our honeymoon in a tent. She also cares deeply about this planet and the great outdoors she loves to adventure in. She is constantly finding new ways to do her part to save our planet.
There’s so much more I could say about this wonderful, loving person, but I think I’ll leave it there for now. I’m so happy I get to spend the rest of my life with such an amazing person whom I love so dearly.
-Chris
After the Wedding!
Having just finished multiple degrees between us and being in the middle of a huge and wonderful life transition, we are no stranger to the question, “well what’s next for y’all?” If you found yourself asking that same question then look no further! Immediately after the wedding, we will be spending just a couple more short and sweet days in North Carolina before making the 26 hour-long trek back to Albuquerque, New Mexico. After a quick turnaround of dropping off and picking up necessary vacation goods, we will drive up to Colorado Springs to spend our honeymoon enjoying all the area has to offer from hiking to food and everything in between!
Further out in our future, Chris will be spending about the next 3 years working on his PhD in Psychology, and Katie Rose will use that time to venture into the world of band directing and earn her teaching license. Though Albuquerque is an interesting and beautiful place, we do not plan on settling down there and have our sights set on moving out and on to the next great adventure. We look forward to sharing what that is with y’all when we know ourselves! Luckily, we have some time 🙂