We fell in love! Celebrate with us!

Ben's Side: When I first met Melanie, I've got to be honest here, I thought I would never have a chance to date this girl. Like, she's wayyyy out of my league, it's just the facts. But, after a lot of prayer, a lot of hints from the local matchmakers, and a lot of short little conversations with her at church, I took the plunge. I finally asked her to a coffee date in November, and it did not take very long to fall head over heels in love with Melanie. In fact, I specifically prayed to God for Him to forcibly take us apart because I was hopelessly lost for this girl. But He didn't, and here we are, engaged at last! I get to marry her! Melanie's Side: Sitting on opposite sides of each other in the church, I would steal glances at Ben. I always thought he was handsome and wanted to get to know him. However, I figured he would not like me so I did not try. One day he approached me. With my words I thought I had scared him away. But he came back and asked me out on a date. Our date lasted for hours. Our drinks had long been emptied before our first date concluded. I was surprised. As our relationship progressed, eventually the Lord confirmed He wanted Ben and I to be together. We have continuously seen the Lord's blessings in our relationship.

The proposal was April 3rd, but I had been planning this day with my sister and photographer, Elli, for about a month in advance. It had to be perfect! We brainstormed, we thought of special little details, and we collaborated with several friends to bring it all together. It was the first Sunday of April, a regular church day to begin what I hoped to be the most special day in our relationship (so far). After a good message, I took her to a fancy lunch, where we began to read a short letter I had written filled with several facts and memories about us that I cherished. Then I took her to Elevate Coffee, our very first date spot, and we read some more. All the while, Elli is at The Well Church with a handful of friends organizing the sanctuary for a beautiful proposal. I continued to stall for time, reminsing and discussing everything about us that was wonderful to me. My phone buzzes, I check it, "Elli: The sanctuary is ready." I look up to Melanie, "We have an appointment!" I announce with a smile. Confused, she indulges me, and we drive back to church, which further confuses her. And then I say, "Do you have the letter?" (This is a letter I had written months ago with a secret invisible ink message and had promised to share it with her in April). She proudly held it up, so I took her hand and walked her to the sanctuary. I open the door, we are greeted by "Can't Help Falling in Love" playing softly through the decorated room. I walk her down an aisle of rose petals lined with candles, down to the alter of the church, where God had changed me so many times before. I wanted Him to change me again. "Melanie, you are the best change God has ever brought into my life!" With that, I asked her to shine the blacklight on the letter. Written there was a simple question, "Melanie, will you marry me?" which I read aloud as I got down to one knee and presented her ring. She smiled, "Yes!" Happily ever after!