They Were Both So Sick of Playing "Dating Games"
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Daniel, who stumbled upon the online platform thanks to a church bulletin, said that he had practically given up on dating before joining CatholicMatch in the summer of 2021.
52 years old and tired of all the games often associated with modern dating, Daniel said that while he prayed to God to send him a life partner, he wasn’t actively seeking companionship. Still, something inside of him prompted him to create an account on the site when he saw an ad in the bulletin of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in East Brunswick.
She also had been having a difficult time dating...
Larissa, too, had dipped her toes into the waters of online dating in the past, but never found much luck finding a like-minded partner on secular dating sites. Guided by the encouragement of her family, she downloaded CatholicMatch.
What drew Larissa to Daniel was the authenticity reflected in his profile. As a special needs teacher, Daniel's commitment to making a difference in the lives of students resonated with Larissa. Several of Larissa’s immediate family members are special needs teachers, and she was endeared by the personal connection. Her initial endearment towards Daniel prompted her to take the initiative and reach out to him.
The couple's communications quickly flourished, marked by openness and a shared commitment to their Catholic faith.
Living only an hour apart, they wasted no time in arranging their first meeting at a cozy coffee shop. Daniel, ever the gentleman, insisted on making the drive to Larissa's hometown.
Daniel and Larissa's relationship defied societal expectations, grounded in honesty, shared values, and a deep spiritual connection. They tackled challenges together, prayed together, and made God a cornerstone of their relationship.
Just a year after their first date, on September 17, 2022, they joyfully announced their engagement to friends and family.
The culmination of their love story occurred on December 16, 2023, when they exchanged vows at the very church where their paths first crossed.
The couple turned their engagement into a family affair, inviting immediate and extended family members. Daniel even enlisted the help of Larissa’s sister and niece to pick out the ring, along with his own mother and aunt.
They arranged a family trip to Longwood Gardens, a botanical garden located in Kennet Square, P.A., consisting of 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows. The couple said it seemed the perfect place for Daniel and Larissa to become engaged.
At the time of the proposal, Larissa’s niece, acting as a little cupid, presented her with a neatly wrapped present box that contained the ring. The label on the box read, "To Larissa, from God," symbolizing the divine calling the couple both felt towards marriage.
On bended knee, surrounded by friends, family, and festive Christmas decorations at Longwood Gardens, Daniel proposed to Larissa.
Larissa and Daniel were wed on Dec. 16, 2023 at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in Morris Township N.J.
The couple's commitment to prayer has remained unwavering. Together, they recite the rosary and seek the protection of St. Michael the Archangel, and share prayers for their loved ones.
Daniel's advice to other couples echoed the wisdom gained from their own journey – "Get God involved in your relationship," recognizing that a true partnership involves not just the couple but a divine presence.
For Daniel and Larissa, marriage wasn't the prize at the end of a “dating game” but a sacred bond, a union blessed by God that fulfilled a heartfelt yearning.
In their love story, the threads of faith, honesty, and shared values wove together a tapestry of enduring love, proving that sometimes, the most beautiful stories are written with the ink of prayer and the pen of destiny.