So, to fill in the gaps in our previous story, here is some more information on our dating experiences (thanks to Laura Marriott for the ideas)...
When did things get more serious?Well, we started dating exclusively by September, started talking about marriage the end of December, and we knew for sure it was going to happen the end of January. He proposed February 21.
What did Stephanie think of the Bennion family when she first met them in St. George?I thought they were extremely friendly, warm, welcoming, funny, and loving. In my first encounter with Bro. Bennion, Christian was holding my hand and he came over and held the other one :) I loved them right away and I’m so excited to get to know them more and be a part of their family!
Christian, how was meeting the Raleigh’sIt’s my turn to write!!! I actually met Stephanie’s mom and little brother, Matt, about a week after first meeting Stephanie. They had come to visit her at her apartment and were playing/walking by the pond south of campus. I had dropped by to lend Stephanie my TV since she didn’t have one and I wanted to make sure that she was committed enough to me :) Her mom was very friendly and I knew that Stephanie would look good as a mom someday! Her little brother was fun and running around everywhere (three years old!). I met the rest of the family a couple of weeks later when she invited me to family dinner and I felt very welcome and thought her family was wonderful.
What was the best date?Christian: Night biking on the Provo trail and Ice cream afterwards!!!
Stephanie: That date was fun, but I loved the date where we went to an international dinner at the Wilkinson Center, then to the BYU Museum, then to part of an international talent show, and then to a BYU basketball game!
Most romantic moment?Besides getting engaged (that one tops everything!) The moment he told me that he loved me :) Also, another top moment was randomly finding a little pond with a dock up above Seven Peaks one night. We walked out on the dock where he turned on a slow song over his cell phone speaker and we danced in the moonlight.
When did you both “know”Stephanie: I knew I really liked this boy from the moment he first talked to me. I had an instant crush. Because everything happened so naturally and quick, I knew this was something special after the first week. I even wrote it in my journal.
Christian: I knew that she was the girl that I wanted to marry a couple months later when I realized that I could NEVER get tired of being around her and that she was someone I could be completely myself with.
The date of the wedding is May 23 in the Timpanogos Temple. And I got my dress!!
Valentine's Day 2009
Alpine loop on an October afternoon
We're enjoying each other's company (and the bubbly aka Martinelli's)
First week of dating
Night bike ride date
Nickelcade baby
Dinner club- Feb. 2009
