Several readers have asked how Mr. handsome and I met, so I wrote up the story for you all. Enjoy!
During college, I lived with a group of Christian girls in a house owned by a local church. While living there, I became friends with Anne, Mr. Handsome’s sister. She started inviting me to spend time with her fa
mily because they lived only 20 minutes away, while mine lived 2 hours away.
mily because they lived only 20 minutes away, while mine lived 2 hours away.On one particular evening, Anne convinced me to come to her house for a birthday celebration and mentioned that her oldest brother would be visiting from dental school. Mr. Handsome and I didn’t talk much that night, but I remember taking note of how thrilled his family was to see him. His little sisters laughed and smiled as he grabbed them and flipped them upside down. This was definitely a guy everyone loved, and he was good-looking, too.
During the six months that followed, I saw Mr. Handsome a handful of times at family gatherings. He would always make a point of sitting next to me and striking up a conversation. He was easy to talk to, and we seemed to have a lot in common.
As we spent more time getting to know each other, I began to realize that God had been setting the stage for a relationship between the two of us. Seven months after we met, Mr. Handsome, with my dad’s permission, asked me if I wanted to pursue a relationship. I said yes!
We lived two hours apart for the entirety of our 23-month dating courtship, but we still managed to spend a significant amount of time together. When Mr. Handsome and I weren’t together, we communicated via phone conversations and texting. In addition to being handsome, this guy had all the attributes I wanted in a husband. Most importantly, he loved God, and he loved me.In March 2015, Mr. Handsome orchestrated a more romantic proposal than I had ever dreamed was possible. He used his extreme last-minute planning skills to get me down to Florida without
suspecting anything, and he surprised me on St. Petersburg Beach. (He also managed to get both sets of our parents there.)
suspecting anything, and he surprised me on St. Petersburg Beach. (He also managed to get both sets of our parents there.)
Mr. Handsome led me over to a private spot on the beach and read Proverbs 31. “I have been looking for a Proverbs 31 wife all my life, and I have found her,” he said. “Will you marry me?”
We have been married almost two months, and I am blessed beyond measure to be serving God with the man of my dreams by my side.
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What a wonderful story! I just love hearing how couples meet. – and the Florida proposal is incredible! Do you mind sharing where you went to college? My husband and I are always looking for good college options for our children. It seems that the college years can have such an impact on your walk, so we are trying to make a list of colleges that can encourage you in your walk so that we can help our children make good choices!
Aww it is so sweet!! Thanks for sharing ellie !! :):)
Thank you Ellie for letting us now how you met. That was wonderful to read.
I wish you and Mr. Handsome the best in the years to come.
Awwwwwww!!! so sweet 🙂
Thanks for sharing your story Ellie. I was also introduced to my husband (we just celebrated 11 years last month) by his sister. Our first son was a ringbearer in her wedding and she and my brother-in-law are godparents to both of our sons. My husband and I are also godparents to her first daughter. It's funny because I met his sister randomly in a class we were taking and had I not taken that class, I never would have met the man of my dreams. I guess you can say that God was setting the stage for us too. Enjoy each stage of marriage as it comes and best wishes to you and your husband and families!
This is so sweet! Thank you for sharing. 🙂 If you don't mind me asking, how old are you and Mr. Handsome? I hope this question doesn't bother you. Please don't feel pressured to answer.
Best Wishes!
We're both in our mid-20s, although Mr. Handsome is a few years older than me. 🙂
Blessings,
Ellie
Can we get wedding photos, please?!?!?!?
YES!!! We'd love to see more wedding photos! 🙂
Oh my goodness what a precious story; your own fairytale. I got tears in my eyes when the Proverbs 31 Wife was mentioned. Congratulations and God Bless.
What a beautiful story! I am so happy for you, and it is really wonderful to read stories of Christian people who meet and want to serve God together.
Awe how sweet and romantic. Best wishes on a successful wedding.
Kim
Thank you for sharing your sweet story. It's nice that you knew his sister first and were able to form such a solid friendship with him and his family. What a very romantic surprise proposal! I have been to St. Petersburg Beach and I know it's a beautiful area. I like that he included all the parents. He sounds like a very thoughtful kind of guy! May the Lord bless you both in your marriage as you continue to serve Him together.
Sweet:) Looking forward to more wedding pics! God bless you all.
Love getting yo know you guys better :)!
Alexis
Thanks Ellie – your God centered marriage gives us hope. Congratulations
Many of the comments say so sweet, mine was expressed in different words and was not negative but I did not see it posted here. What does that say? To me it says if you want to get a comment posted it has to be short and sweet.
Hi there,
Perhaps your comment didn't go through. I don't recall having to delete any negative comments on my blog so far. Feel free to resubmit it. 🙂
Blessings,
Ellie
I was also wondering…I asked on one of your posts (don't remember which) how old you and Mr. Handsome were. Simply curiosity, and I can't think I'm the only one who has wondered about that! Is there any reason why this wasn't posted?
Haha! And I just saw that you answered someone else's questions about this! Sorry about bothering you again. 🙂
Best Wishes!
I always find it interesting how people met their spouses. Thank you for sharing.
Sugar pie !
Ellie I think he especially loves you for your teeth! You have a beautiful smile! I forgot my other comment, but that is short and 'cute'!
This is really a wonderful post.
Hi Ellie! My name is Kate and I, too, am a newbie to the world of blogging. First of all: I just wanted to say "Thank you" for creating the "19 Kids & Counting" blog that you run with your mum, as I am also a fan of the show, and I'm so sad that it's cancelled. I would say that my favourite Duggars are Jill and Jinger, as I'm similar to both of them in my personality…Which Duggars are your favourites? Second of all, I absolutely love your blog, as you're such a great writer and I absolutely love how creatively organized your blog is; mine doesn't look quite as creatively organized as yours, but it's getting there…it's just computers/technology and I don't really get along very well… 😉 Thirdly, I was wondering if it's at all possible for me to show you my blog, and maybe you could give me some pointers, and maybe even a shout-out?
Thanks so much! All the best,
Kate
Hi Kate,
Thank you for your kind words! The Duggars are a wonderful family, so I wouldn't be able to choose a favorite. 😉 Feel free to email me your blog URL (NashvilleWife@gmail.com).
Ellie
I have Just Joined Your Blog Via The Duggars Blog and I am Really excited about getting to know You and Mr Handsome and seeing what God has in Store for You. Whatever That Might Be, I Feel Sure That You Will Both be able to Rise To The Task.. All The Best For A Long Happy and Loving Futue Together. Many Blessings, Beverley…xxx
Hi Ellie,
It is really nice to read in your story that you felt that God was leading you towards to each other. I hope to one day find my own "mr. Handsome" , the one that God has for me. I check your blogs about The Bates and Duggar Families daily and pray that you'll continue to write the blogs.
Hope you and Mr. Handsome are well!
Nadia from The Netherlands
Hi Nadia,
I am thrilled to hear that you are blessed by my blogs. Thanks for reading all the way from the Netherlands. I pray that you will continue to grow closer to the Lord and that He will bring the perfect husband into your life in His perfect timing. 🙂
Ellie
Awwe! Love this story! 🙂 Our God is the best writer for our lives!
Ellie,
What a wonderful story! What college did you go to? If that's too personal, please don't feel like you have to answer! It's totally fine! 😊
Hi there,
I went to a large, public university. 🙂
Have a blessed day.
Ellie
Hi Ellie
I am a big fan of yours and you inspire me lots! I am grateful to have came across such as great blog and it definitely helps me with tips and recommendations which I can use in my everyday life. I am 18, from Ireland and am taking a gap year to work, save and travel where possible before university next September.
I am very content being single and have never had a boyfriend and I am happy focusing on myself, learning and gaining experience and seeing where my path lies. I am still discovering myself and I am curious to see where God guides me as I want to do a lot of things in life, I want to learn and have fun. Does that sound good or sensible lol?!
However, as I was saying, I don’t have a boyfriend and sometimes wonder when I will get one or is my time to meet my lifelong partner. I sometimes worry if I decided for example, to study a year in America instead of New Zealand, and that New Zealand would be where e.g. my soul-mate is but then if I change my mind for personal reasons to study in America, I am scared I would miss opportunities or my chance to meet him.
I also always wonder how I will meet him and would he meet my expectations e.g. christian, humble, sporty, adventurous, kind, caring etc. Sometimes I feel like society makes you settle for less and I don’t mean to be too picky but I’d rather wait for the right one to come along, and someone who we can both connect well with and have similar interests etc. I do believe in finding a soul-mate that is mean’t to be but I sometimes wonder where and when it will happen?
I hope that makes sense, I feel like you be the perfect person for that advice. Blessings 🙂
Hi Becky. Thanks for the comment! Sorry for the delayed response. I wanted to answer you when I had a few minutes to sit down and write a thoughtful response.
I’m glad to have you as a reader all the way from Ireland. Taking a year to save and travel is a great idea. Where do you plan on traveling during this year?
It’s great to hear that you are content with where God has you. When I was 18, I didn’t have a boyfriend, either, and I definitely understand how you are feeling. Worrying about the future is something that I struggle with, as well. I have to constantly remind myself that God is in control and that He has my entire life mapped out. As long as we seek Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, He will make our paths straight. He has someone special for you, and He will make sure that you two meet, and He already knows how He is going to make it happen. Waiting for the right one God has for you is NOT being picky–it’s a sign of maturity.
I hope my words are an encouragement to you. 🙂 I’ll be praying for you!
Ellie
Hi Ellie
I would love to travel a lot of places but the most important place for me to go would be the alps in Europe, the Swiss or France Alps preferably as I love hiking, skiing and outdoor activities, I just love nature. Similar travel ideas to what you guys have, a lot of scenic travel, it’s so beautiful and relaxing for me!
I am so grateful for your advice it really makes a difference, helping me relax and focus on how I can make myself better for me and trust in God. You’re right He is so Good and sometimes I need to realize how great He is and be more thankful. Life’s so important and I really am truly thankful for the World and amazing people like you Ellie, honestly thank you so much!
Much Love from Ireland, Becky 🙂
I’m so glad that my words helped. God is good! I love to ski, as well. Growing up, my dad and brother and I spent a lot of time on the slopes.