Double Your Pleasure

Think being socially relevant in Springfield is a drag if you’re not a swinging single? These five happy and happening couples are here to prove you wrong.

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Photo Kevin O'Riley Chad and Jennifer Brodersen get physical (in their work duds) on the Galloway Creek Ozark Greenways trail, where they do much of their training.

Chad and Jennnifer Brodersen, Est. 2001
 

If Love’s a Race, They’ll Win

THIS IS WHY THEY’RE HOT

If it’s true that the couple that plays together stays together, the Brodersens will be celebrating anniversaries when the rest of us are pushing up daisies. Not only are Jen, 28, and Chad, 29, successful career people—she’s an attorney for Tolbert Beadle and Musgrave, he runs his own insurance agency for American Family—they’re also first-rate athletes. Chad is a former triathlon stud while Jen runs marathons. In their spare time, Chad and Jen golf together, usually at Highland Springs.

 

THE SAPPY DETAILS

How they met: December 2001, at a Christmas party at Chad’s parents’ house.
First date: That night. After hitting it off at the party, they went to three other parties, one at a fraternity house where they wound up parking in a yard.
Who kissed whom?: Chad kissed Jennifer. “I went 90 percent of the way,” says Chad.
Engaged: 2003. Here’s the story—and guys, skip this part. On a surprise vacation to The Greenbriar, a resort in West Virginia, Chad took Jennifer on a sleigh ride. In the middle of nowhere, under a gazebo, he asked her to marry him by giving her a rose on a silver platter. Around the stem? The ring.
Married: August 7, 2004 at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church.
Best Anniversary: Honeymoon to Maui.
Favorite Restaurant: Arris’ Pizza
Favorite Vacation: A trip to London while they were dating
Favorite activity: Golfing at Highland, working out
Favorite TV show/movie: Boston Legal, Hitch

 

ADVICE

On meeting new friends as a couple: “Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone,” says Jennifer. “It can be a challenge to not stick to your routine and niche and not deviate. Invite someone to dinner.”

On surviving family: Both Jen and Chad are from Springfield, so family overdoses happen. “One important thing is growing on your own and learning to say no,” Chad says. “The obligation is to [your partner.]” Jen suggests rotating holidays—Thanksgiving with one family, Christmas Day with the other, switch the next year.

 

Photo Kevin O'Riley

HE SAYS
 

I fell for her because… “She brightens up the room.”
Best features…
Physical: “Great biceps.”
Non-physical: “She makes everyone feel comfortable, whether she knows them or not.”
Her most annoying habit... “She obsessively cleans the house before people come over.”
The sweetest thing she’s done for me… “Foolishly saying ‘yes’ when I proposed.”
She looks best when… “She’s in jeans and a T-shirt.”

 

SHE SAYS
 

I fell for him because… “He has a good sense of humor. He’s a good person with a good heart.”
[Chad looks at her expectantly] “And… you’re hot?”
Best features…
Physical: “His eyes.” [Another expectant look] “What, you want me to say your abs?” [Chad: I’m going to say “your feet.”]
Non-physical: “Strength of character; he has a good sense of right and wrong.”
His most annoying habit… “He always makes me choose where we’re going to eat dinner.”
Sweetest thing he’s done for me… “The surprise trip when he proposed.”
He looks best when… “Either when we’re working out or when he’s all dressed up.”

See how Chad and Jennifer faired in our game of Know Your Partner!

Get GO at home!