Chip and Megan’s story began in 2016, though neither of them realized it at the time. Megan was working at the Sedgwick County Health Department in Wichita, Kansas, while Chip was serving at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in Topeka. Their first conversations were professional—just fleeting exchanges between colleagues.

It wasn’t until 2019, at a national conference for epidemiologists, that their paths crossed in person. Introduced through mutual acquaintances, their connection seemed to spark effortlessly. Friends and colleagues noticed their instant chemistry, though Chip and Megan didn’t think much of it at the time. Life carried on—until the whole world changed.

When the COVID pandemic first gripped the Midwest in 2020, a group of local health department epidemiologists, united by their shared challenges, began hosting regular virtual happy hours. It was in these digital gatherings that Chip and Megan found themselves speaking more frequently, sharing not just professional frustrations but stories of their lives, their hobbies, and their goals. During one of those evenings, Chip made a casual but heartfelt promise: he’d make Megan his famous skirt steak tacos sometime.

As luck would have it, Megan soon accepted a position in the Kansas City metro and moved back in the fall of 2020. Missing friendly gatherings, the two started to meet at Strange Days Brewing in the River Market for the occasional beer and, true to his word, Chip eventually made her the promised tacos. He also fell instantly in love with Barley and Marshall, who are Megan's whole world. From that moment on, their connection deepened, transforming from casual camaraderie to something undeniable and beautiful.

Since then, they have had many adventures and side quests... They love their annual hiking trip to Colorado with Barley and Marshall, are supporters of Kansas City Soccer, love baking together, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends.

Today, Chip and Megan look back on their journey as proof that love often grows in the most unexpected ways. What began with shared work and a simple promise turned into a bond that feels effortless—full of warmth, laughter, and the kind of love that feels like home.

M&C