We're married!

Mark-Ian and Yvonne were introduced briefly at a Superbowl Party. Mark-Ian was curious about Yvonne's healing work, but Yvonne was aloof and focused on other things.

After being introduced a second time, there was a little spark. Mark-Ian felt what he calls "best-friend vibes" coming from Yvonne as she reminded him of his childhood best friend, Ricky, and he noted the connection. Mark-Ian claims he was not ready to put Yvonne into a romantic part of his brain so he labeled her as "interesting". Yvonne on the other hand felt the synergy but also did not consider him in a romantic way and labeled him as "off limits" because she felt someone else had dibs on him.

Mark-Ian's dog ate an entire pack of Xylitol gum which changed his travel arrangements for the end of May. With an open weekend, he decided to attend Yvonne's team's healing weekend called "Unleash". He was the first to open up vulnerably about the pain of his childhood illness and how he had been struggling to untangle years of trauma and spiritual oppression throughout his life. By the end of this weekend, Mark returned to his given name Mark-Ian with a revelation from the Lord that he was to resurrect the Ian ("God is Gracious") aspect of himself and re-enter the world with a tender heart receptive to the overwhelming story of grace in his life. When he made the comment, "My wife will know me as "Mark-Ian", Yvonne felt in her spirit that she could be the wife he referred to.

They planned a Fourth of July celebration at the park together where Yvonne meets Mark-Ian's family, enjoyed the Rocky's baseball stadium fireworks show, worshiped together at a young adults evening of worship, delighted in summer ice cream, and a final swing dance excursion with friends. A marathon weekend of time together with family and friends culminated in a dance and a walk to the car. Yvonne was twitter-patted. Mark-Ian still had Yvonne labeled "interesting".

A long conversation after church, turned into an opportunity for Yvonne to share her feelings and check in about what was happening between them. They each admitted how romantic feelings had come easily for them both. However, Mark-Ian hesitated due to the fact that Yvonne was in a position of helper and healer for him and he was cautious around the unhealthy possibility of developing romantic feelings for someone who was in a position of care-giver, so he requested they wait a healthy 3 more months to be sure the feelings were legit and not a result of an unhealthy care-giver bond.

Yvonne took the chance to drive solo with Mark-Ian up to their church's Festival of Tabernacles camping trip where they stay under the stars in an apple orchard or the Western Slope of Colorado. This four hour trip to and from, plus the delightful weekend together, turned into the moment where Mark-Ian received his "yes" from God and community and within himself to pursue dating Yvonne.

Romantic feelings continued to grow for both Mark-Ian and Yvonne. Mark-Ian continued state his desire for "Yvonne-time" and demonstrated his magnetic interest while keeping her safely in the "interesting zone". Yvonne was swooning so she resorted to writing him many letters to express her growing feelings because of the agreed upon timeline. Until one day, Yvonne couldn't handle it anymore. Mark-Ian got his first letter from Yvonne stating that if they needed to wait longer, he needed to be careful in what he was asking from her. Mark-Ian responded quickly stating his desire to pursue a romantic relationship, also in the form of a letter. Yvonne got her first letter from Mark-Ian with a check yes or no option to a first official date. Of course, Yvonne checked, "yes"!

240 Union: A Creative Grill was the site of Mark-Ian and Yvonne's first date. At dessert, they spoke of their love for one another and desire to be in this together.

On Christmas Day, Mark-Ian arrives in Michigan to meet Yvonne's family and spend Christmas with the Biel's. Felt like a fairytale Christmas celebration with deep joy, winter festivities, and random bursts of singing.

Mark-Ian started dreaming... "What if we got married?" and gave Yvonne his college ring with the hearts desire that they would some day marry. They signed up for a pre-marital course with their church to have intentional conversations toward this end.

A spontaneous trip to Michigan for the 4th of July, confirmed for Mark-Ian that he could not live without Yvonne!

Mark-Ian personally curated a liturgy to share during their church's very special Festival of Tabernacles weekend. After an incredible thanksgiving-like feast under the nectarine trees fitted with twinkle lights and a sweet time of sharing and prayer, the group gathered around the bonfires. Instead of the typical bonfire liturgy, Pastor Daniel gave the floor to Mark-Ian where he told everything how this was an anniversary of when he felt the "yes" to date Yvonne and now had a liturgy to share with the group. He began declaring his need for God's grace to love Yvonne while the community responded with quotations from Song of Solomon. At the end, he knelt down on one knee asking Yvonne to be his wife. She said "yes" and the whole community cheered in wholehearted jubilation. Later that evening, they watched as the biggest shooting star spanned the entire night sky and declared a heavenly "Amen" to this proposal.

At 11:30AM on 11/30, Mark-Ian and Yvonne said their solemn marital vows in below freezing temps outside. Yvonne got here out door ceremony and Mark-Ian got his reception in a log cabin with a fireplace blazing behind them. It was pure joy to be surrounded by family and friends to enter into the union of marriage remembering the larger story of Christ and his Church! Mark-Ian and Yvonne look forward to celebrating with even more family and friends at their extended party receptions in Michigan and in Colorado. See SCHEDULE tab for more details.