Hailey had decided to join CatholicMatch for a month, and, if no one special showed up, she would take that as a sign that God had a different plan in mind.
At the very end of that month, Hailey received a message from Christian. She jokes now that “God has a sense of humor. That’s for sure.” Christian, who joined CatholicMatch after being frustrated with other dating websites, hadn’t even been on CatholicMatch for a month before seeing Hailey’s profile and sending her a message. They both were looking for a relationship that countered the “hookup culture” and had marriage as the end goal.
Not too long after the first message, the two met at the Denver botanical gardens for their first date. They had no trouble making conversation, even though Christian admits it was a little bit awkward at times. Hailey was impressed by Christian’s sense of humor and how he knew so much about random things. She recalls looking at Japanese fish in a pond at the gardens, and how Christian was able to give a bunch of random facts about the fish. Christian was also impressed with Hailey and her ability to engage in conversation.
They wore matching costumes for Halloween!
One of Christian’s favorite dates was when they spent Halloween at Hailey’s parents’ house. Christian didn’t normally celebrate or dress up for Halloween, but, that year, he bought matching walrus costumes for him and Hailey. They played music, handed out candy, and had a bonfire while spending time with Hailey’s family.
They both appreciated how easy it was to talk to the other. Hailey loved that they could talk for hours and hours on the phone. They lived forty-five minutes away from each other, and so talking on the phone was sometimes the only way they got to spend time together when they couldn’t meet up in person. Hailey reflects that now she has known Christian for a while, she also loves how supportive and uplifting he is. Christian has also come to love how humble and down-to-earth Hailey is.
Hailey overheard a phone conversation...
Hailey wasn’t expecting a proposal until a little while into the relationship when she got a hint that Christian had plans to get engaged soon.
Christian’s Grandma accidentally gave away that he was planning to propose when Hailey overheard them on the phone! His Grandma didn’t know that she was on speaker, and she asked Christian if he had bought a ring yet. They both laughed off the awkward situation, but Hailey suspected a proposal wouldn’t be too far away. She predicted that he would pop the question when they visited his mother in Florida. It would be perfect to ask on the beach or a nice restaurant during their visit. But she was wrong!
It was only a week after she had found out about the ring that they went to Golden Colorado to make a short pilgrimage to the Mother Cabrini shrine with Christian’s sister and nephew. His sister told them to go stand near the shrine to take a picture, so they walked down together. While Hailey was looking at some of the relics, Christian pulled out a ring and got down on one knee.
Hailey was completely surprised and overjoyed! She immediately said yes. And, looking back, she said it was a much better place to propose than Florida.
Now they have a baby!
Hailey and Christian got married in July and had a beautiful baby boy the following May.
Christian said the highlight of the wedding was the Mass where “I was married to the love of my life.” But, they both agree that the highlight of their marriage has been their baby boy, Vincent.
Hailey says that Christian would do anything for their baby boy, and it has been amazing for both of them to watch the other become a parent.
They pray together every night as a married couple, and they become closer and closer every day.
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