Advertise on podcast: Unexpected Love Stories | Real Romance & Relationships You Never Saw Coming

She showed up on his Instagram feed. He was interested so he “stalked” her to find out more then bravely sent a message. But their story began long before that first hello. Anthony Braswell and Shannen Fields-Braswell had both lost beloved spouses, along with the futures they had imagined together. They knew the weight of grief, the emptiness, and the questions about what life would look like now. Then, in their own ways, both felt God inviting them to open their hearts to a new season. What began as a long-distance friendship gradually grew into love. Their story is about the power of AND: honoring the love they had known AND embracing the love they found together. Join us for a moving love story that reminds us that opening your heart again doesn't mean leaving the people you love behind. More info and photos of Anthony & Shannen here. 👇 Don’t forget to share, and subscribe for more real, inspiring love stories on ⁠Spotify⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠   Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ 🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com Music credits: Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Where to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Additional music by⁠ ⁨@JoeEPmusic

What if waiting just one more hour to order an Uber changed the course of your life? In the summer of 2019, Cassi was at her best friend’s house when she reached for her phone to order a ride home. But she felt God telling her: “Wait.” Five times she tried to order that Uber. And five times, she felt the same thing: “Wait.” When Cassi finally did order the Uber, she had no idea that a conversation with her driver about music—and his insistence that she connect with his best friend, Jack—would introduce someone very special into her life. A few days later, Jack invited her to join him for a jam session. Cassi wasn’t looking for love, but over the next several months, their shared love of music grew into friendship and eventually something more. But Cassi was also fighting a much bigger battle. She wanted to leave behind a life of partying and toxic relationships. As she began seeking God and facing the wounds of her past, her life started to transform. Through it all, Jack became a steady presence beside her. In this episode of Unexpected Love Stories, Cassi shares their unlikely beginning, her journey from being afraid of commitment to opening her heart to love, and the surprising moments that eventually convinced her Jack was the man she was meant to marry. Sometimes the smallest delays become part of a much bigger story. More info and photos of Jack & Cassi here 👇 Don’t forget to share, and subscribe for more real, inspiring love stories on ⁠Spotify⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ 🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com Music credits: Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Where to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Additional music by⁠ ⁨@JoeEPmusic

What if God spoke to you as a child about your future? And what if the person He had in mind as your spouse wasn't someone you would have chosen for yourself—but turned out to be exactly the person you needed? In this heartfelt conversation, April Snook shares her journey of hearing God's voice from a young age, meeting the man who would become her husband, and discovering that God's plans were far greater than she could have imagined. What began as a simple date with a college student from church became a marriage that has now spanned more than 28 years. Along the way, April and her husband, Danny, learned to trust God through uncertainty, provision, family life, and countless unexpected blessings. This episode is filled with wisdom, laughter, and encouragement for anyone wondering if God is still speaking,still guiding, and still working behind the scenes of their story. Whether you're single, married, or simply navigating a season of change, April's story is a beautiful reminderthat God's goodness can be found in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life. As she shares the lessons learned over nearly three decades of marriage, you'll be encouraged to recognize God's voice, trust His leading, anddrink deeply from His goodness every day. ✨ Listen in and discover how one unexpected relationship became part of a much bigger story More info and photos of Danny & April here. 👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story on ⁠Spotify ⁠📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ 🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com Music credits: Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy ofwww.epidemicsound.com Where to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy ofwww.epidemicsound.com Additional music by @JoeEPmusic

She prayed that God wouldn't bring her future husband into her life while she was in college. The very next day, she met Joseph. Hannah arrived at Biola determined to focus on her faith, her art, and building meaningful friendships—not dating. Joseph wasn't looking for a wife either. He was hoping to find lifelong friends while growing in his faith and pursuing computer science. Then, during orientation week, they found themselves sitting across from each other on a bus headed to the beach. A conversation about Marvel movies sparked an unexpected friendship. Hannah remembers how easy Joseph was to talk to. Joseph's first impression? She was "sunshine personified"—full of joy, welcoming, and genuinely interested in everyone around her. Their friendship grew through Bible classes, smoothies, campus ministry, movies, and countless conversations. But getting from friendship to romance wasn't simple. There were other relationships, unexpected feelings, fear, and Hannah's determination not to rush into dating. Eventually, they had to decide whether what they had was worth the risk. In this episode, Hannah and Joseph share how friendship became love, why they don't believe in searching for "the one," the first date that lasted until nearly sunrise, and the full-circle proposal that brought them back to the place where Joseph first held Hannah's hand. They also share what it was like to graduate, get engaged, and marry during COVID—and how getting COVID themselves completely changed their honeymoon plans. Through it all, they've discovered that lasting love isn't about finding a perfect person. It's about trust, commitment, grace, and intentionally choosing each other. And years after that first conversation on the bus, Joseph still sees in Hannah what he noticed that very first day—light and joy. Sometimes the person you aren't looking for becomes the friend you never expected... and the love you choose for a lifetime. More info and photos of Joseph & Hannah here👇 Don’t forget to share, and subscribe for more real, inspiring love stories on ⁠Spotify⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ 🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com Music credits:Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.comWhere to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.comAdditional music by⁠ ⁨@JoeEPmusic

They fell in love before they ever met in person. After a surprise Facebook friend request brought Bethany and Jon together, they spent the next year falling in love through heartfelt messages and long-distance phone calls. But when they finally met face to face, life took an unexpected turn. A misunderstanding, fear, and heartbreak pulled them apart, leaving Bethany wondering if the love she'd been praying for would ever become reality. Over the next fourteen years, their paths crossed several times, each reunion bringing Bethany renewed hope—only to watch them drift apart again. Then, after nearly six years of silence, Bethany prayed one bold prayer: God, if Jon isn't the man You have for me, let him ignore me. But if he is, have him call... and apologize. Five days later, her phone rang. In this episode, Bethany Wisdom shares her remarkable journey of loving, waiting, and trusting God through years of unanswered questions. Hear how one unexpected phone call, one heartfelt apology, and God's perfect timing transformed a story that seemed lost into a beautiful new beginning. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late for God to redeem your story, Bethany's journey is a powerful reminder that His timing is always worth trusting. More info and photos of Jon & Bethany here 👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story on ⁠Spotify⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ 🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com Music credits: Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Where to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Additional music by ⁨@JoeEPmusic

He was spiraling deeper into addiction. She had just found faith and her life was beginning to change. Most people would have thought their marriage wouldn’t survive. In this deeply honest episode, Pasqual and Norma Urrabazo share how a relationship that began with love, chaos, and brokenness was transformed through forgiveness, surrender, and the healing power of God. After meeting at a video rental store in Las Vegas, the two quickly fell in love, moved in together, and were married in a simple wedding chapel ceremony. But when Norma unexpectedly gave her life to Jesus, everything changed. As Pasqual drifted further into addiction and destructive choices, Norma held onto hope, prayed for her husband, and learned how to love him in a completely different way. Then came the moment Pasqual realized his life was headed toward tragedy if he didn’t return to God. Together, Pasqual and Norma open up about addiction, anger, redemption, rebuilding trust, and learning how to become true partners in marriage. Today they minister to people around the world, but their story began with two hurting people trying to find their way through the darkness. ✨ A powerful story of restoration, healing, faith, forgiveness, and unexpected love. More info and photos of Pasqual & Norma here 👇 Don’t forget to share, and subscribe for more real, inspiring love stories on ⁠Spotify⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ 🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com Music credits: Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Where to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Additional music by⁠ ⁨@JoeEPmusic

Laurel was a single mom who never expected a client seeking help for his aging mother to become the man who would slowly change her heart. Ed, a Grammy-recognized musician, never imagined that the woman offering wisdom, comfort, and guidance would become the person he couldn’t stop thinking about. But with her guarded heart, family concerns, and complicated timing standing between them, their story almost didn’t happen. In this episode, Laurel and Ed Nicholson share a deeply honest story about opening their hearts to second chances and discovering that God’s plans were more beautiful than either of them expected. 👇 Don’t forget to share, and subscribe for more real, inspiring love stories on ⁠Spotify⁠ | 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ | Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠ | Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ | 🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com | Music credits:Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com | Where to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com | Additional music by⁠ ⁨@JoeEPmusic

They worked in the same building. Went to the same church. Even connected on Facebook… But one small moment almost ended everything—before it ever began. John was rebuilding his life and faith after a difficult season, while Rebekah was pouring herself into ministry—neither of them looking for love. When John greeted her at work and thought she ignored him, he quietly assumed rejection. And instead of trying again… he avoided her. Completely. Until the day he stepped out of his comfort zone to speak at a chapel service—and said something Rebekah needed to hear in that exact moment. This time, she reached out. From messages… to conversations… to a spontaneous dinner that turned into hours outside a Starbucks… they discovered a connection neither of them had been looking for. Including a shared love for movies—and Star Wars. But for John, one question remained: Was he ready to risk love again and everything that could come with it? When he said yes, John, a lifelong storyteller and filmmaker, didn’t hold back—planning a proposal that was uniquely theirs, complete with a hidden ring beneath a Darth Vader helmet. This is a story about the hello that was missed… and the love that almost slipped away because of it. More info and photos of John and Rebekah here. 👇 Don’t forget to share, and subscribe for more real, inspiring love stories on ⁠Spotify⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ 🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com Music credits:Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.comWhere to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.comAdditional music by⁠ ⁨@JoeEPmusic

At first glance, they didn’t seem like a match at all. She was polished, graceful, and carried herself with quiet confidence. He was straightforward, unfiltered, and completely unapologetic. In this episode of Unexpected Love Stories, Jeff and Kathy Oakes share how two people with completely different personalities—and strong opinions about each other—somehow ended up falling in love. It didn’t start smoothly. There was a stubborn standoff over who would ask who out... and a first date at a movie neither of them even wanted to see. Not exactly the kind of story you’d expect to last. But what happened next changed everything. From awkward beginnings to building a life together through marriage, family, and major life shifts, their journey reveals what it really takes to make love work. Because sometimes… the person you least expect becomes the one you can’t imagine life without. More info and photos of Jeff & Kathy here 👇 Don’t forget to share, and subscribe for more real, inspiring love stories on ⁠Spotify⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ 🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com Music credits: Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Where to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Additional music by⁠ ⁨@JoeEPmusic

This is a romantic love story about two people whose paths crossed in the most unexpected way. What began as a simple meeting turned into a powerful journey of love, relationships, and faith through life’s hardest moments. Vanessa never expected Las Vegas to become home, and Evan never expected that one glance across a room would change everything. Their story is one of real love stories, unexpected timing, and choosing connection even in the face of uncertainty. More info and photos of Evan & Vanessa here 👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story on ⁠Spotify⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ 🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com Music credits: Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Where to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Additional music by ⁨@JoeEPmusic⁩

She fell walking into church… and almost never went back. Marla was a single mom of two, new in town and simply looking for a church to call home. What she didn’t expect was that one painful stumble in the church courtyard would leave her injured… and introduce her to an ER doctor who stepped in to help. And in that moment—an unexpected spark occurred. In fact, it startled her enough that she decided not to return. Focused on her children, her new job, and rebuilding her life with God, Marla walked away… until a month later, a message changed everything: “Dr. Ray was asking about you.” She agreed to just one dinner with Ray. She made it clear she wasn’t looking for a relationship. But God had other plans. Just five dates later, Dr. Ray did something that left her completely stunned. Dr. Marla Woodmansee—now a motivational and keynote speaker, Bible communicator, TV host, author, and founder of Dr. Marla Ministries—shares how God met her in a season of starting over and wrote a love story she never saw coming. Sometimes the moments that feel like setbacks… are the very ones God uses to change our story. Listen in as faith, healing, and one unexpected encounter led to a love story that still impacts lives today. More info and photos of Dr. Marla & Ray here. 👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story on ⁠Spotify⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ 🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com Music credits: Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Where to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Additional music by ⁨@JoeEPmusic⁩

They met on Yahoo Personals in 2009. One month later, they were engaged—but fast love doesn’t guarantee deep connection. Josh was serving in the Army Reserves, recovering from the collapse of his second marriage and convinced his “picker” was broken. Shelly saw his profile and paid to upgrade her account just to keep the conversation going. When they finally met, Josh couldn’t shake the feeling that he had known her forever. Despite red flags, a bipolar diagnosis, medication, and two very different spiritual backgrounds, they married in July 2010. What followed wasn’t dramatic failure—it was something quieter. Over time, they drifted. They felt more like roommates than partners. And beneath the surface, something deeper needed healing. In this episode, Josh and Shelly share how emotional healing, spiritual alignment, and one step of obedience reshaped their marriage—and how God often works internally long before anything changes on the outside. More info and photos of Josh & Shelly here 👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story on ⁠Spotify⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ 🌐 More stories and info at: ⁠⁠unexpectedlovestories.com Music credits: Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Where to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

They had a crush on each other for three years, but no one said a word. Working side by side in theatre and ministry in Perth, Australia, Andrew and Lara Pilcher quietly admired each other — building productions, sharing faith, and guarding their hearts. Lara’s feelings grew bolder. Andrew’s remained hidden behind steady friendship and restraint. When Lara finally chose courage and told him how she felt, he admitted he felt the same… but hesitated to act. Words were spoken. Nothing changed. Frustrated and ready for clarity, Lara stepped back. Then came a masked New Year’s Eve party — and the one sentence from Andrew that changed everything, “I want to journey with you.” In this episode of Unexpected Love Stories, Andrew and Lara share the tension of waiting, the cost of hesitation, and the courage it takes to finally speak. If you’ve ever been stuck in the “almost,” wondering whether to wait or walk away, this story will remind you that sometimes the right love is already beside you — just waiting for someone to be brave. Listen now — and don’t forget to follow Unexpected Love Stories for more real stories of faith, timing, and unexpected love. More info and photos of Andrew & Lara Bianca here 👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story on ⁠Spotify⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ 🌐 More stories and info at: https://unexpectedlovestories.com/ Music credits: Sophie's Dream by Philip Ayers | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Where to Next by Ritchie Everett | Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Additional music by ⁨@JoeEPmusic

What happens when the story you wrote about love starts unfolding in real life? Cheryl McKay Price is an award-winning writer and screenwriter, known for Finally the Bride and Never the Bride. For years, she wrote honestly about waiting, surrender, and trusting God with a love story she could not control. What she didn’t expect was how closely her real life would one day mirror what she had written on the page. In this episode of Unexpected Love Stories, Cheryl and her husband Chris share the journey that took them from decades of singleness, to reconnecting after many years, to a love story that still leaves them in awe of God’s timing and details. This conversation is for anyone who has waited longer than they hoped, wrestled with discouragement, or wondered whether God is truly at work behind the scenes. ✨ In this episode: What decades of waiting taught them about faith, identity, and trust How their relationship began after years of knowing each other The surprising connections between Cheryl’s books and her real-life love story What it looks like to keep surrendering even after the “finally” 🎙️ Guests: Chris & Cheryl McKay Price 📚 Books: Finally the Bride, Never the Bride 📖 Now co-writing: Finally One If this episode encouraged you, follow the podcast, share it with someone who needs hope today, and leave a review so more people can discover these stories More info and photos of Chris & Cheryl ⁠here ⁠ 👇 Don’t forget to ⁠subscribe⁠ and share this unexpected love story on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ 📲 Follow us on ⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on ⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on ⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠⁠ 🌐 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 Additional music by ⁨@JoeEPmusic

Troy and Alexia met in 2020 during the pandemic through country line dancing. For nearly three years, they danced side by side several days a week, building a deep friendship before romance began. Once Troy shared his interest in October 2022, everything moved quickly—courting by November, engaged in December, and married at the courthouse in February 2023. Their marriage began with both joy and challenge. Alexia became pregnant immediately, welcoming their first child later that year. In 2024, they experienced the loss of a miscarriage, followed by very specific prayers for the future—prayers God answered in full when Alexia became pregnant with their twin rainbow babies in December 2024. Now a family of five, they are entering a new season marked by less stress, deeper faith, and renewed dreams. With God first, marriage second, and everything else following, Troy and Alexia are building a life rooted in love, intention, and grace. More info and photos of Troy & Alexia here 👇 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this unexpected love story on ⁠Spotify⁠ 📲 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@unexpectedlovestoriespodcast⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@theunexpectedlovestories⁠⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠Unexpected Love Stories Podcast⁠⁠ 🌐 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 Additional music by ⁨@JoeEPmusic