Hello! We are Chad and Kristen Cottingham and we have been on our marriage journey since 1991. It has been an adventure that has offered unparalleled challenges and rewards! These experiences have fueled our passion to help others because we have learned that great marriages don’t just happen, you have to be intentional.

Our story began in the Virginia mountains where we met while attending Liberty University in the late 80’s. It was love at first sight and after two years of dating and upon discovering a baby was on the way, we quickly planned a shotgun wedding. Our marriage was off to a challenging start being young new parents, finishing up school, establishing a career, all while learning to relate to each other in new ways.  These trying circumstances ushered in unique difficulties and emotional issues that negatively impacted our marriage for many years. 

However, our beliefs that marriage is sacred and is the foundation of a healthy family and society were always central to us.  Our faith in Jesus and commitment to each other enabled us to overcome the challenges we faced. Our struggles through the years coupled with the pain of walking beside loved ones who experienced divorce ignited our passion to help strengthen marriages.  By God’s grace, we are humbled and enjoy the privilege of sharing with others what God has done for us. Using transparency and humor our desire is to offer hope and help to others.

We reside in Southwest Michigan and are blessed with four children; Carley who is married to Ryan, Alex and daughter-in-law, Hannah, son Cameron, and Madi and her husband Carter.  We love being Mimi and Papa to our five grandchildren.

Chad is a former public-school teacher, administrator and coach. Kristen is a speaker, author and Bible teacher. We are active members at Riverside Church and serve as ministry leaders of An Intentional Marriage where we facilitate premarital coaching, record podcasts, host events, and share our experiences in workshops and retreat settings.