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Unexpected Love Stories
Dawn Lawson Pruszkowski
21 episodes
6 days ago
Would you buy a wedding dress before a proposal? Have you met someone who knew she’d meet her husband by Christmas? Love is unpredictable—it finds us in the most unexpected places and in ways we never imagined. Here, real people share how they met, fell in love, and built a life together. From whirlwind romances to love that defied the odds, these stories will surprise you. Subscribe now and celebrate love with us!
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Relationships
Society & Culture
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All content for Unexpected Love Stories is the property of Dawn Lawson Pruszkowski and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Would you buy a wedding dress before a proposal? Have you met someone who knew she’d meet her husband by Christmas? Love is unpredictable—it finds us in the most unexpected places and in ways we never imagined. Here, real people share how they met, fell in love, and built a life together. From whirlwind romances to love that defied the odds, these stories will surprise you. Subscribe now and celebrate love with us!
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Relationships
Society & Culture
Episodes (20/21)
Unexpected Love Stories
20 | They were just friends for years—until one snowboarding trip, one movie night, and one unexpected text changed everything

Josh and Ashley were casual friends for about two and a half years, often hanging out in the same circle but never seeing each other as more than that. One winter, Ashley posted on social media that she wanted to go snowboarding. Josh already had plans to go the next day and invited her to join. On the three-hour drive to the mountains, conversation flowed easily. They discovered how much they had in common, and Josh was impressed by Ashley’s snowboarding skills. A quiet spark began to form—but very slowly.

Over the next few weeks, Josh invited Ashley to watch a movie several times, but she kept finding reasons to say no. She was confused by her feelings. Josh was the guy with lots of female “friends,” and she’d never imagined him as anything more. But something had shifted, and it made her nervous. Eventually, her hesitation led Josh to back off.

Then, out of the blue, Ashley reached out and asked if he still wanted to watch that movie. Josh called her out for being flaky but agreed. The evening was simple and easy—no pressure, no flirting. Ashley left convinced she’d imagined the spark… until his text came through: “I had a wonderful time. I’d love to take you to dinner sometime.”

From there, their story unfolded slowly and intentionally. For six months, they built a foundation of trust, honesty, and faith. Before they made things official, they worked through personal challenges and discovered what they truly valued in each other. Eventually, they took a leap of faith and moved to Las Vegas together.

That leap turned into a life. Fifteen years later—eleven of them married—Josh and Ashley are still grateful for the slow spark that grew into a lasting, faith-filled love.


More info and photos of Josh & Ashley here 👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story on ⁠Spotify⁠

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Music:

Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Where to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

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2 weeks ago
1 hour 1 minute 1 second

Unexpected Love Stories
19 | She’s from Texas, he’s from the Netherlands—two dreams, one destiny, a love story they never expected. She went abroad to teach dance, but discovered that God was also writing her own love story

Bethany Sleebos wasn’t looking for love—she was following her lifelong calling to share God’s heart through dance. Born and raised in College Station, Texas, she began dancing at five and went on to teach and perform around the world, using movement as a language of love and hope. In 2007, her journey led her to the Netherlands to serve with Kings Kids, a ministry that equips young people to share the gospel through the arts. There she met Patrick, a young Dutch leader and translator serving with the same mission. Over several summers of teaching and leading teams together, their friendship grew, but romance was far from her mind.

In 2009, Bethany heard God whisper something unexpected, Patrick would one day be her husband. She quietly tucked that word away, choosing to focus on her ministry. When she later moved to the Netherlands to launch a dance school, their paths intertwined once more. Then one night, before either had confessed their feelings, both Bethany and Patrick had the same dream—they were to be married. When they shared their dreams, it became clear that God was writing their story.

Today, they live in College Station with their three children, leading Suzanne’s School of Dance and continuing to use the arts to share God’s love—proof that when you follow His calling, love can find you in the most unexpected ways.


More info and photos of Bethany & Patrick at Unexpected Love Stories

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story on ⁠Spotify⁠

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🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com

Music:

Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Where to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

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4 weeks ago
49 minutes 43 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
18 | She whispered, “I just met the man I’m going to marry”, an undeniable connection, a desert deployment in the UAE, a Las Vegas elopement, & a princess wedding, Tucker & Jess’ story is unexpected

Tucker, raised in Yakima, Washington and now serving as a U.S. Air Force officer, and Jessica, adopted from Russia and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, met during their deployment in the United Arab Emirates. When Jessica saw Tucker without his usual mustache, she suddenly felt nervous butterflies and commented to her friend that she had just met the man she was going to marry. Their connection was instant and undeniable, and when the deployment ended and they went their separate ways, they were able to hold on to love across the miles with phone calls, letters, and visits that kept their hearts close.

On May 18, 2023, Tucker proposed at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C. Soon after, on January 9, 2024, they eloped in a private ceremony performed in Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas. This all happened just before Tucker was once again reassigned to another base. Recently on August 16, 2025, they celebrated with family and friends in a large Catholic blessing of their marriage in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Tucker called it Jessica’s princess wedding. 

Today, they live in Sumter, South Carolina, where Tucker continues his Air Force career and Jessica serves in public communications for the city. Together they enjoy life with their dogs, share laughter daily, and look forward to building a family and a future filled with love, faith, and adventure.

More info and photos of Tucker & Jess

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story on ⁠Spotify⁠

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🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com

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1 month ago
55 minutes 1 second

Unexpected Love Stories
17 | She chased parties and had beauty that turned heads He was only a friend yet prayed for her in secret When she found faith, love surprised them both the most powerful way

They first met as teenagers working a summer job at Weyerhaeuser.

Kim grew up in Longview, Washington, a small town known for its logging and paper mills. The middle of three sisters, she was known for her beauty. She even modeled for local stores and hair stylists. Kim lived the life of a party girl  and, to her, Jeff was just a friendly acquaintance.

Jeff felt differently, and he quickly fell in love. Jeff turned to prayer, asking God to touch Kim’s heart and to bring him a wife “just like Kim.” For a year and a half, he prayed quietly, trusting God with the desire of his heart.

Everything changed when Kim gave her life to Christ. After her conversion, she sought Jeff out again as a friend. Their bond deepened, and within three months Kim realized she couldn’t deny it any longer — she was madly in love with him. Soon after, they were engaged, and a few months later, they were married.

Their marriage has been marked by both miracles and trials. They became parents to two miracle children, Ryan and Nicole, and today treasure the joy of being “Kiki and Papa” to their grandchildren, Ace and London. Together, they’ve endured Kim’s own health scares and the devastating loss of her parents to cancer. Out of her grief, Kim launched New Hope Cancer Recovery, helping hundreds of families find comfort, hope, and Christ’s love in their darkest hours. Jeff built his own path as a respected contractor, entrepreneur, and inventor.

Through it all, Jeff has honored Kim, loving her with faithfulness and prayer. Their story is a living testimony of God’s goodness and the unexpected ways He writes love stories.






📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠

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1 month ago
34 minutes 42 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
16 | After losing her husband of 40 years, Martha found love again. An inspiring story of healing, second chances, love after loss, and new beginnings

After 40 years of marriage, Martha found herself alone when her beloved husband Bill passed away in March 2020. A pharmacist who had dedicated her career to helping others, Martha’s life had always been filled with purpose and service. Bill, a teacher, coach, and fitness trainer, was her partner in both life and faith. Their home was full of laughter and activity, especially through Bill’s work with young athletes.

After Bill’s passing, Martha found herself grieving in isolation during the Covid lockdown, with her family and friends far away. Months later, she moved back to East Tennessee to be with family and friends. Through her faith and surrender to God’s love, she found healing and the courage to open her heart again. Just when she least expected it, a friend introduced her to Tom, a retired contractor who had also cared for his late wife until her death from cancer. Despite her initial reluctance, something clicked between them. Their love story moved quickly. Within months of meeting, Tom gave Martha a diamond ring on Christmas and they were married in March. Now she’s experiencing more joy than she ever knew was possible.

Martha’s journey is a powerful reminder that no matter the years behind us, God can bring love and joy back into our lives in the most unexpected and beautiful ways.

See pictures and more details at UnexpectedLoveStories.com

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story! ⁠Spotify⁠

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🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠ UnexpectedLoveStories.com

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2 months ago
36 minutes 14 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
15 | She wasn’t looking for love. He couldn’t get her name right. Jon and Emily’s rom-com love story includes a Lifehouse song, a snow scene, and a wedding just hours after graduation.

Jon first noticed Emily at a college registration table—but struck out when she wouldn’t give him her name. Strike two came months later when he confidently called her “Amanda” during spring break. But everything changed one night on the beach when Jon pulled out his guitar and sang “You and Me” by Lifehouse—Emily’s favorite band. Their eyes met, and something sparked.

Back on campus, they fell in love over pork chops in her apartment and happy hour appetizers. On Christmas Eve, Jon created a snowy scene outside her window, serenaded her with a song he’d written, and proposed. She said yes—but her parents made them wait until after graduation.

Three years later, on the same day Jon graduated, they got married. There was a slight delay when no one told Emily to walk down the aisle, but once she did, their hearts were full.

Their honeymoon cruise brought plenty of laughs—and their love story brings all the warmth, patience, and joy of a real-life romantic comedy.

See pictures and more details at UnexpectedLoveStories.com

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story! ⁠Spotify⁠

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3 months ago
47 minutes 3 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
14 | Deb didn’t want to date Greg. Then they both had the same dream on the same night. 3 months later they were engaged. 3 months after that, married and off across the world

Debby wasn’t looking for love. She was a high school senior about to turn 18, and dating was the last thing on her mind, especially not with a guy in his early 20s. But on Debby’s birthday, a well-meaning friend had 23-year old Greg take her and Debby to a concert. Her friend thought Greg and Debby made a great match, Debby just wanted to hide. Things got interesting fast. Shortly after their awkward concert night, Debby had a vivid dream that she and Greg were joyfully married. The strangest part? Greg had the exact same dream on the same night. When they bumped into each other at a Bible study, through a completely different friend group, they began to talk, then go on a date, and soon realized God was doing something much bigger than either of them expected. Three months later, they were engaged. Three months after that, they were married. And six months in, they were in Switzerland, launching a lifetime of missions work that would take them to countries and communities across the globe.

Now over 50 years later, Greg and Debby Wiley share the wild, faith-filled love story only God could write.

See pictures and more details at https://unexpectedlovestories.com/episode/episode-greg-and-deb-wiley/

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story! ⁠Spotify⁠

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🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com


Greg & Debby:

Facebook GregDeb Wiley

Website

Destiny School of Ministry- founders and directors email: dsm@heritagefellowship.us

Destiny School of Ministry website

LifeStreams founders and directors videos on YouTube: Lifestreams Heritage Fellowship

Email: gdwiley1128@gmail.com

Books we’ve written that are available on Amazon and Kindle: Ears to Hear, Jesus InSync, and Incomparable (Greg and Deborah Wiley)

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3 months ago
46 minutes 33 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
13 | Award-winning romance novelist Diane Merrill Wigginton went to one singles dance and met her husband while he was wingmanning for another guy. What unfolded could’ve been one of her own novels.

After a decade of healing from a painful divorce, award-winning romance novelist, Diane Merrill Wigginton, felt a strong nudge to attend a New Year’s Eve singles dance… the first and only one she’d ever go to.

She didn’t know why, but she went.

That night, David showed up, not to find love, but as a wingman for his friend, who had hoped to meet Diane. But when David saw her, something shifted. He introduced her to the group… then couldn’t let her go. What started as a simple dance turned into a whirlwind romance: deep conversations, dinner dates, country line dancing and a love that felt like coming home.

Diane was the first to say “I love you.” David proposed a month later. Five weeks after that, they were married. Four weeks later, sealed for eternity and expecting their first child together.

Blending two families into one, raising six kids, and now celebrating 27 years of marriage and eleven grandchildren, Diane and David’s story is part romance novel, part divine appointment… and entirely unforgettable.

More info and photos of Diane and Dave: https://unexpectedlovestories.com/episode/dave-and-diane-wigginton/

Amazon Author URL: https://www.amazon.com/author/dianemerrillwigginton

New author page: https://frankly.franklinpublishers.com/v2/preview/8cJRD9R69n1kS8mtEeBr

Books.by: https://books.by/plot-twist-books

Author Website: www.dianemerrillwigginton.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15x6K6nniw/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianemerrillwigginton?igsh=cGI5Y2N4cWdpZ2Vo

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story! ⁠Spotify

📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast

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🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com

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4 months ago
45 minutes 21 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
12 | They fell in love at first grocery cart. From long-distance calls to fireworks & magic tricks—Dusty & Rae’s unexpected love story proves God writes the best plot twists.

Rae was 31, single, and settled in Iowa. As a functional nutritional therapy practitioner, she had finally gotten crystal clear on the kind of man she hoped to marry: someone with unwavering character, a solid Christian faith, a shared passion for healthy living, and—just as essential—a deep appreciation for good coffee.

Dusty, on the other hand, was living in sunny Southern California. A chiropractor and functional medicine doctor, he was a devoted father who had weathered the heartbreak of divorce and was now walking through a season of healing

Their two worlds collided in 2017 at a health and wellness conference in Salt Lake City. Rae and Dusty were part of a group of colleagues staying in the same Airbnb. Rae thought Dusty was a party pooper, but a spontaneous grocery store run flipped the switch. One glance over a grocery cart—and a spark quietly ignited. Rae’s sister, who was also at the conference with the group, subtly played wingwoman as the connection deepened.

Back home, that one spark turned into a slow, steady burn. Long, heartfelt phone calls became their norm. To test the depth of their feelings, they tried something unconventional—a phone fast. No calls. No texts. Just silence to see what lingered. Rae broke the fast first. She couldn’t stay away, and her heart hadn’t changed. Neither had Dusty's.

Love was no longer a question. So Rae made a bold move: she packed up her life in Iowa and relocated to California.

Knowing this was the woman he wanted to share his life with, Dusty secretly prepared a proposal worthy of their extraordinary journey. With the help of Rae’s sisters—who had been quietly collecting ring ideas from her Pinterest board—he had the perfect ring crafted. Then, Dusty went full showman and learned a series of magic tricks.

At a family reunion in Iowa, Dusty entered the family talent show as a magician. With the help of Rae’s family, he performed trick after trick. Then, with the big finale, Rae opened the box with her ring. Dusty was on one knee asking for her hand. Then came the grand finale: fireworks bursting across the sky, sealing their magical moment with a literal bang.

From long-distance phone calls to a cross-country move, from healing hearts to a house full of magic, Rae and Dusty’s love story is the kind only God could write—a story built on family, faith, and a whole lot of fun.

More info and photos of Dusty & Rae

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story! Spotify

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🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠unexpectedlovestories.com

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4 months ago
47 minutes 19 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
11 | Aury face-planted on stage. Tymme had to meet her. These pro dancers, who worked with huge stars like Madonna & Will Smith, became best friends and never expected they would have a love story

Tymme, a rising star in the hip hop dance world, had just finished his performance at a choreographer’s showcase and took a seat in the audience. As a tribal funk dance piece unfolded, one of the dancers tripped—face first—right on stage. But instead of retreating in embarrassment, she sprang up, unleashed a wild tribal yell, and danced with even more fire than before. Tymme was captivated. “I’ve got to meet that woman,” he thought.

Backstage, he introduced himself. Her name was Aury. She was Brazilian, bold, funny, and had a spark he couldn’t forget. What started as a lighthearted friendship turned into a deep bond. They rehearsed together, performed together, grabbed quick meals and laughed through the LA entertainment life together. It was strictly platonic—so platonic, in fact, that Aury tried setting Tymme up with other women.

At the time, Aury was healing from an emotionally abusive marriage and had zero interest in love. Tymme, on the other hand, was still navigating the pain of growing up without parents and moving through the foster care system, and ending up homeless as a teen. But their friendship—raw, real, fun, and rooted in trust—became the safe place they both needed.

Then came the biggest twist of all: Jesus. Together, they surrendered their hearts to God… and in the process, their hearts turned toward each other. What was once “love ya” transformed into “I love you.”

Tymme proposed—completely surprising Aury—and though they didn’t have money for a wedding, they were gifted a $20,000 wedding. They truly have an unexpected love story fueled by friendship, and built on faith and fun. 

More about Tymme & Aury:  https://unexpectedlovestories.com/episode/tymme-and-aury-reitz/

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story!

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @unexpectedlovestoriespodcast

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🌐 More stories and info at: unexpectedlovestories.com

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5 months ago
45 minutes 59 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
10 | Julie fell in love with Dallas at camp—then he vanished. For 8 years, they were a couple only at camp. When she gave up hope, he risked everything to win her back—forever

Julie Stilson, 18, took a summer job at Hume Lake Christian Camps, seeking a meaningful experience—not romance. But everything changed when she met Dallas DeWitt, a handsome, magnetic lifeguard. She was drawn to him but nervous, often spilling his water at the refreshment stand. Their summer was filled with laughter and growing affection. Julie even told her mom, “I met the man I’m going to marry.” But when summer ended, so did their communication.

The following year, Julie returned to camp, and so did Dallas. Their spark reignited, but once again, he promised their connection would last and then disappeared. Julie couldn’t shake the feeling that God was asking her to wait. She dated other men, but something inside her whispered “not yet.”

For eight years, Julie and Dallas returned to Hume Lake, their bond growing but never surviving beyond camp. Julie eventually gave up, believing their story was over. Then, on a whim, she and her sister visited Hume Lake again—and Dallas appeared. Julie’s heart didn’t skip a beat, but Dallas realized he had let go of the love of his life.

Determined to make things right, Dallas moved to Julie’s city with one goal: to break up her current relationship, win her heart, earn her father’s approval, and marry the woman he loved.

Will he succeed, or will the years of delay prove too costly? This is a story of love, timing, and discovery that sometimes the best things are worth the wait.

See pictures and more details at https://unexpectedlovestories.com/episode/episode-10-julie-dewitt/

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5 months ago
54 minutes 57 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
9 | Modern-Day Romeo & Juliet: Jon and Melody’s Families Were Enemies—But These Teens Fell In Love: A First Kiss on a 32-Hour Bus Ride, a Borrowed Ring, a Missing Bride, an Incredible Story


Jon and Melody’s love story reads like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet—with the redemptive twist we all hoped would happen in play. Born into families with a history of conflict, they never should’ve fallen in love. But when Melody transferred to Jon’s high school, everything changed. A 32-hour bus ride from a youth trip turned into passing notes, switching seats, and eventually, a first kiss.

From a proposal using a borrowed ring to a wedding day with last-minute chaos and a missing bride, their journey to the altar was anything but ordinary. Along the way, they faced financial hardship, deep loss, and restoration.

Today, Melody is a multidisciplinary artist and content creator who blends creativity with healing and connection. Jon is a veteran, certified fitness expert, and emergency responder who brings grit, resilience, and discipline to everything he touches. Now  their family takes on a new adventure as they move to Nairobi, Kenya.

This is a story of love found in the most unlikely place, faith that carried them through every obstacle, and the beauty of letting God write your story.

See pictures and more details at https://unexpectedlovestories.com/episode/jon-and-melody-mcconico/

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6 months ago
52 minutes 54 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
8 | Melissa dodged Jock’s calls for 5 months—then one coffee changed everything. A hippie artist, a film student, and an unexpected love story. But her parents warned: “Proceed with caution.”

When 19-year-old Jock, a clean-cut film student from Nova Scotia, met 25-year-old free-spirited Melissa, an art student with a hippie soul from Alberta, sparks flew—but only for him.

Melissa wasn’t looking for romance—especially not with Jock. He wasn’t her type, not even close. But Jock saw something in her worth waiting for… worth calling for… every two weeks, for five months.

Melissa dodged his calls for five months (even enlisting her roommate to help). But after a heartbreaking family tragedy, Melissa said yes to coffee…and everything changed.

One coffee turned into  conversation which turned into a second chance, then a third date… and then, unexpectedly, love. Wrapped in the warmth of Jock’s family, Melissa began to heal—and to hope. Jock thought he had found home with Melissa. But even love has its trials and there was a season of goodbye

Jock knew: this was the woman he wanted forever. But her parents gave a warning—proceed with caution.

Could a grounded dreamer and a wandering artist write a love story that would last?

See pictures and more details at https://unexpectedlovestories.com/episode/episode-8-melissa-jock-hiltz/

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6 months ago
1 hour 2 minutes 14 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
7 | Successful lawyer and sports agent Kelli longed for love. A dying man’s last words led her to the one she never expected—changing everything in a shocking twist that redefined her love story!

Kelli Masters built an extraordinary career as a lawyer and sports agent, but despite all her success, one dream remained unfulfilled—a husband and family. Through her 20s and 30s, she watched friends marry and start families while she struggled through relationships that were never quite right. Still, she held onto faith, believing God had a plan.

She had always admired the Reneau family, especially Dale Jr., a devoted father of eleven whose marriage seemed unshakable—until it wasn’t. As Dale Jr. fought to keep his family together, tragedy struck again when his father, Dale Sr., fell gravely ill. But in his final moments, Dale Sr. made a shocking revelation—one that would change Kelli’s life forever and lead her to the love story she never expected.

See pictures and more details at https://unexpectedlovestories.com/episode/episode-7-kelli-masters/

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7 months ago
45 minutes 22 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
6 | Addiction and abuse shattered Frank and Ronda’s marriage, leading to divorce. A decade later, after healing, something unexpected happened bringing them back together for Marriage Part 2

What happens when love is shattered by addiction and domestic violence, but restored by faith, healing, and transformation? Frank and Ronda’s story is one of heartbreak, redemption, and a second chance at love. This story may be hard to listen to, but is a story of true love.

When they met in 1996, their romance seemed like a fairytale.They worked so perfectly side by side accomplishing great things. But after their wedding in 2000, Frank’s dark past seemed to reawaken and take control. Within 3 months his unhealed past of addiction and domestic violence led to a restraining order. Frank’s downward spiral and the resulting mental and emotional pain that crushed Ronda’s heart lead to their divorce in 2007. Though their marriage ended, their personal journeys were far from over. With the help of coaches, therapists, supportive communities, and a growing faith, both Frank and Ronda found healing and purpose.

Frank overcame addiction and built a career dedicated to helping others break free from destructive cycles. Ronda found her passion in empowering women to rediscover their worth and embrace healthy relationships. Then, more than a decade after their divorce, something incredible happened, they reconnected, and in 2018, they remarried, this time with a foundation of healing, faith, and shared purpose.  See pictures and more details at https://unexpectedlovestories.com/episode/episode-6-frank-ronda-goodridge/

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7 months ago
1 hour 9 minutes 32 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
5 | Romance was the last thing on Sheona’s mind until Carlos. She kept her distance but soon knew he was her future husband. When the town gossip caused her to say goodbye, Carlos had other plans

Sheona always dreamed of marrying a dreamy Latino man, but she never imagined how that dream would unfold.

When the opportunity arose to spend six months in Mexico, she didn’t hesitate—Guadalajara instantly felt like home. Immersed in church work and teaching English, romance was the last thing on her mind… until a tall, handsome stranger slipped into the swimming pool beside her.

Carlos was charming, kind, and—unfortunately—her friend’s crush. Determined to keep her distance, Sheona brushed aside any lingering thoughts of what could be. But when she saw Carlos in a tuxedo at his university graduation, something shifted. As they posed for a photo with his arm around her, she felt his hand trembling… and an undeniable certainty—this man was her future husband.

Now what?

Just as her heart started leaning in, an unexpected visit from the town’s notorious gossip threatened everything. Panic set in. Was she about to ruin Carlos’ reputation? Desperate to protect him, she met him in the park to say goodbye forever. But Carlos had a different plan—one that would change everything.

Get ready for a love story filled with surprises, crossed signals, and blessings beyond imagination. This is an Unexpected Love Story. See pictures and more details at https://unexpectedlovestories.com/episode/episode-5-sheona-mackie/

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7 months ago
48 minutes 59 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
4 | Lost in bad relationships, Connie’s life had to change, but she didn't expect-a perilous trip to Honduras, a letter from a stranger, a blind date with a fireman. God was writing a new love story.

Connie and Patrick's love story started in two different directions. Connie's first marriage was a mistake from the start and ended in heartbreak. Trying to find her identity, she moved from place to place and ended up in Texas where she fell deeply in love with a British racecar driver, another "Mr. Wrong". After years of being led on and cheated on, she was at her end. Reaching out to her uncle and aunt in San Diego, she agreed to move in with them and heal. She took steps towards God and that resulted in changes in her life. Choosing not to do things her way, life got very exciting. Meanwhile, 3 hours away, Patrick had prepared for the wife and family he knew God promised him, but when would they meet? A chance "hello" and Patrick knew Connie was the one. It took months before she would ever speak to him, and he was ready to give up, until... Married since 1985, their journey shows that when we trust God to lead, He can bring us to our perfect counterpart. See pictures and more details at https://unexpectedlovestories.com/episode/episode-4-connie-stilson/

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8 months ago
57 minutes

Unexpected Love Stories
3 | High school sweethearts reunite after 28 years. Heartbreak, detours, and years apart—until true love brought Amanda back to Joey. Timing is everything in this homecoming story.

Amanda thought she had a “bad picker” when relationships and marriages all seemed to fall apart. Could it possibly be because her heart always belonged to Joey, her high school sweetheart? As a junior in high school she knew she had found her soulmate, but in their senior year Joey pulled away leaving her heartbroken. 

A chance meeting in college brings them back together, only to realize that the timing is completely off. Desperate to change their story, Amanda took a risk—she poured her heart into a love letter and sent it to Joey, praying for a response. Silence. Then she heard the news: Joey was getting married. Heartbroken again, she forced herself to move on. She fell in love, married—twice.


Then, 28 years later, an unexpected message popped up on Facebook. It was Joey. Single for 6 years, he told Amanda he was going to be in town on a business trip and wanted to take her to lunch. Her heart raced. Was God bringing him back into her life? Was there a chance that her heart could finally come home to her first love? See pictures and more details at https://unexpectedlovestories.com/episode/episode-3-amanda-lakich/

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8 months ago
38 minutes 27 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
2a | Mire believed she’d meet her husband by Christmas Day. At 11:45 pm on Christmas Eve, the phone rang. Could this be him? A love story spanning 3 continents with unbelievable timing and faith.

Mire thought she had everything she needed. Born in Germany, raised in Sierra Leone, and working in London, her life felt full. As for marriage? If God didn’t bring the man, she didn’t want one. But one November evening, everything changed. While praying, she sensed God wanted to give her a gift—if only she asked. Suddenly, she started coughing, and the sound formed a word: husband. In that moment, Mire knew—without a doubt—she would meet her husband before Christmas. That gave God just three weeks to bring her the man. Then, at 11:45 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the phone rang. On the line was a man from the U.S.—someone she had only seen once, a year before. In those final moments before Christmas, Mire received her gift. A year later, they were married. This is a story of faith, patience, and the gift of love that spans three continents. In this first of a two-part episode, Mire shares her side of the love story. Listen to Episode B to find out her husband Wanji's side of the story.

See pictures and more details at https://unexpectedlovestories.com/episode/episodes-2-part-1-wanji-mire-williams/

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9 months ago
45 minutes 18 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
2b | On a dare, Wanji calls a woman he encountered once a year ago, never expecting it would lead to the love of his life. Spanning Sierra Leone, the UK and USA, this story reveals God’s gift of love.

Wanji was an accomplished engineer in his 30s, searching for love but certain he hadn’t yet met her—the woman God had for him. Born and raised in Sierra Leone, he had moved to the United States for university and work, building a successful life but still waiting for the right person.

Meanwhile, across the ocean, his mother and her friend—Mire’s mother—were busy making connections neither of them saw coming. As they spoke about their children, they realized Wanji and Mire had uncanny similarities. Sensing a match, Wanji’s mother urged him to call Mire in London. He was hesitant—he was already dating someone—but to appease his mother, he made the call. Nothing came of it.

A year later, while visiting his mother in London, Wanji crossed paths with Mire in passing. Still, nothing.

Time passed, and while visiting his family in Sierra Leone for Christmas, Wanji’s mother made one more request: call Mire. Annoyed at the persistence, he finally gave in—at 11:45 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

He never expected her to answer.

What started as a reluctant phone call turned into something unexpected. A simple lunch invitation led to a revelation—this was her. The woman his heart had longed for, the one God was giving him as a gift.

This is a love story of faith, patience, and divine timing across three continents. In this second of a two-part episode, Wanji shares his side of the love story. Don’t miss Episode A to hear Mire’s incredible journey to the same moment.

See pictures and more details at https://unexpectedlovestories.com/episode/episodes-2-part-2-wanji-mire-williams/



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9 months ago
25 minutes 23 seconds

Unexpected Love Stories
Would you buy a wedding dress before a proposal? Have you met someone who knew she’d meet her husband by Christmas? Love is unpredictable—it finds us in the most unexpected places and in ways we never imagined. Here, real people share how they met, fell in love, and built a life together. From whirlwind romances to love that defied the odds, these stories will surprise you. Subscribe now and celebrate love with us!