Jamie & Emmanuel
Matched at the Art Centre in Plano, TX — First Event, September 20, 2024
Married on November 29, 2025 at Mater Dei Latin Mass Parish
What message would you, as a couple, like to share with single young adults who may be unsure or hesitant about trying speed dating (or any other Catholic "single & mingle" function)?
Emmanuel: I honestly never thought I would try a speed dating event, and I almost didn't go to the one where I met Jamie. Of course, I did go and it was incredibly worthwhile. I'm not saying that you're guaranteed a spouse at the speed dating events, but they are honestly more worthwhile than even dating apps because these events already filter for single Catholics who are willing to date, and you get to interact in-person. The advice I would give is give speed dating a try and be relaxed and light-hearted about it. The first thing you're looking for in a future spouse is if you can have a good time with them because you will spend the rest of your life with your spouse. The rest of the details can come later after speed dating is over.
Jamie: Just do it! Give it a shot. You never know who you might meet. I almost didn’t go because it seemed intimidating. But I went into it with an open mind and the intention of just getting to know a lot of different people. I thought maybe I’d go on a few “first” dates afterwards. It actually didn’t work out that way for me, Emmanuel was the only one who reached out after the event and God had a plan. You may not meet the one there, but you will grow in your confidence and discernment when you do meet the right one. It was so much better than dating apps because you can have a face-to-face conversation with someone in your area who is Catholic, single, and ready to mingle. It’s a great opportunity to put yourself out there! Go into it with an open mind and just be you!
From the Bride’s Perspective
Tell me about your first date: The first date was very relaxed. Emmanuel planned such a great date and was very clear with the plans from his first few texts. We met for coffee on a Thursday evening about a week after the speed dating event. We had such great conversation that was quite friendly but also honest and kind. It was going so well in fact that Emmanuel asked if I wanted to get dinner. So we walked to a cute Austrian restaurant downtown and continued to have such great conversation and fun enjoying each other’s company. Once we parted ways and I knew I wanted to go on a second date with Emmanuel.
Tell me how you discerned that Emmanuel was the one you were called to marry: This question is always a tough one, and I think discernment is always a little different for everyone. I think early on in the dating process you don’t have to overthink every date. All you should be doing is getting to know the other person as a friend and seeing how well you hit it off. That being said, after we established that friendship I was impressed with how Emmanuel and I handled the deep conversations as our friendship developed. We also were both actively working on our own personal relationship with Christ and attending adoration on our own time, and also together. We also went to Mass together every week. Jesus was and always is at the center of our relationship. I knew he was the one by his selflessness and how he sacrifices for me and others around him. He brings out the best of me and loved my family so much. His leadership above all impressed me throughout our dating process, and I know he is going to make an amazing husband and future father. I couldn’t imagine not spending the rest of my life with him. Discernment happens over time and doesn’t need to be rushed or overthought (I know that’s easier said than done). God will provide much peace when you find the right person!
Tell me about the proposal: Emmanuel had been planning a nice dinner date that had unfortunately been rescheduled a couple times due to unforeseen circumstances. Once we finally had the perfect evening line up, he planned a date in downtown Plano, which is where we met and also had our first date. We started the evening by walking around the park in downtown. We eventually made our way over to the Arts Centre (which is where the speed dating event was held) and he got down on one knee and had a sweet little speech he said from the heart. I was so excited and just wanted to soak in what he was saying I didn’t even see the ring. It was such a special moment and he was so thoughtful on the location and the memories that will always be held there. After he put on the beautiful ring he designed on my left hand we had our first kiss that we were saving for engagement. His mom and sister were waiting to take pictures and give us the roses Emmanuel had bought. We then enjoyed a nice dinner and wine to celebrate and shared the happy news with our friends and family.
From the Groom’s Perspective
Tell me about your first date: Our first date took place at a coffee shop in Plano that I often go to. We had a lot of fun learning about each other and our families. It's was laidback and light-hearted, but we also made sure to talk about what we we're looking for in a relationship. You could tell it was going well because time flew by for me. We originally didn't have any dinner plans, but I was a little spontaneous and offered to pay for dinner nearby at a Austrian restaurant. We had a great time over schnitzel and some tiramisu at the end. At the end, we agreed to meet again for another date.
Tell me how you discerned that Jamie was the one you were called to marry: To be honest, that is a difficult process to explain. I could tell early on that Jamie was virtuous and that her heart was in the right place. She is devout and loves Christ so deeply. For me, I had such great chemistry with Jamie whenever we had a date or were hanging out. I also knew that she would be a great wife and mother just based on her interactions with her family and my family. At the end of the day, I just had the internal feeling that I wanted to be with her the rest of my life. Sometimes, it's not your head that will tell you she's the one, but your heart. My heart was drawn to hers. It didn't take a lot of discernment to understand that I wanted to marry her.
Tell me about the proposal: I knew that I wanted to choose a place that was meaningful for the proposal, but not somewhere that was too public. For me, a proposal should be more intimate. Thus, I chose the place where we first met, which was the Art Centre in Plano where the speed dating event in September 2024 held. Because of conflicting schedules, trying to find a date that worked for both Jamie and I was tricky, but I got an opening one Tuesday afternoon. I planned out the details last minute Monday night and had my sister be the photographer. My mom helped out by bringing the flowers. After work, I drove to the park by the Art Centre, met with Jamie, and led her to where my sister and my mom were secretly stationed. I got on one knee, and (spoilers) she said yes! We took our photos and then enjoyed a nice dinner together enjoying our friends' and families' reactions as soon as we told them of the proposal.
