On today's episode, Melissa, an Executive Life Coach who helps successful and motivated LGBTQ+ individuals to take their life and career to the next level through the use of goal setting and therapeutic techniques, shares her side of her love story with husband, Joshua. Their love story is about creating a nontraditional relationship that speaks to who they both are as individuals and as partners. You'll also hear about how they overcame family tensions to build a happy life together.You can connect with Melissa and follow more of her story on her website at https://www.melissadasilva.com/. She is also the author of "The Profitable Practice." Melissa is the creator and host of the successful LGBTQ+ podcast Pride Connections and Chit Chat with a Therapist. Check out her podcast at https://chitchatwithatherapist.com/.The story was curated by Ekanem.Follow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcast or check out our website at www.chooselovepodcast.comTo share your story or let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcast

Choose Love: Extraordinary Love Stories

Melissa + Joshua | A Non-Traditional Love Story

This warm and open couple show how important honesty and having fun is in their relationship. They met on Tinder and claim they are living proof that online dating works. The two were recently married in September 2019. Listen in to hear about how the stars aligned and they embarked on love's biggest journey together.The couple was interviewed by Stephen.Follow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcast or check out our website at www.chooselovepodcast.comTo share your story or let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcast

Anna + Wesley | Why You Should Consider Swiping Right

What happens stays in Vegas, right? Unless it involves falling in love. The two met when Andy, on a typical Vegas boys trip with his friends, spotted Sarah from across the room at The Red Square Bar. Andy's wingman was immediately on the job, chatting up Sarah's parents, who she was on day trip with. This is the story of how a quick 15-minute chat with a stranger in Vegas gave birth to 16 years of love and two beautiful sons. Through the chaos of life, Sarah and Andy have learned that it's important to always remember the simple things. When all else fails, food and wine always allow these two to reconnect and keep learning about one another.  You can check out Sarah's businesses: FIRM FOCUS provides experienced productivity consulting, targeted training, and speaker coaching for attorneys and legal professionals. Check them out at https://www.firm-focus.com/Simply Organized Sarah (SOS), LLC. will help you creatively and resourcefully free up the things that are cluttering your mind, home, storage spaces, closets, offices, bathrooms and life. Check them out at http://simplyorganizedsarah.com/This story is narrated by Stephen.Follow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcast or check out our website at www.chooselovepodcast.comTo share your story or let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcastPODCAST SHOUTOUT:Listen to the craziest and true dating, engagement, and wedding stories on the Secret Life of Weddings Podcast. Giving you a weekly dose of behind the scenes drama and ALL of the tea you never knew you needed. Check them out on your favorite podcast player or visit them at https://www.secretlifeofweddings.com/

Sarah + Andy | What Happens in Vegas...

The paths of Jamie and Jesse had crossed many times before they had ever officially met. The two finally met while working at a haunted house in Las Vegas, Nevada and immediately bonded over their shared hometown of Alameda, California. Before long, they had come to learn that as children they lived just a couple blocks away from each other. Jamie can recall being woken up by chickens in the early morning, which, just happened to be owned by Jesse's grandmothers. Come to find out, they actually went to the same elementary school. After browsing through Jamie's copy of their elementary school yearbook, Jesse discovered that his 5th grade photo was circled in the book. To both of their surprise, Jamie couldn't recall why she would've done that decades prior. The two couldn't help but wonder if their love was written in the stars or if this was just a series of coincidences. I won't spoil it for you, check out the episode to learn more!The couple was interviewed by Ekanem.Follow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcastTo share your story or Let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcast

Jamie + Jesse | All Roads Lead to Alameda

Brett and Kristin's love story is a compilation of magical moments. The two have learned to appreciate the small moments as they've learned how to navigate a relationship with two people at different places in life when it comes to faith and career. When they met, Brett was the band director at a high school in northern Indiana who was renewing his commitment to his faith, while Kristin was in search of someone with a faith as strong as hers as she was finishing up her education degree. They have the Bumble online dating app and an unscheduled duet of Lucky by Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz to thank for bringing these two together. And although they are currently long distance, they've found home in each other.The story was narrated by Stephen.Follow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcastTo share your story or Let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcastPODCAST SHOUTOUT:Listen to the craziest and true dating, engagement, and wedding stories on the Secret Life of Weddings Podcast. Giving you a weekly dose of behind the scenes drama and ALL of the tea you never knew you needed. Check them out on your favorite podcast player or visit them at https://www.secretlifeofweddings.com/

Kristin + Brett | A Lucky Bumble Love Story

It all began with a past-life regression to uncover truths of Ayanna's soul story. It was then she learned that after many years of intentional singleness, her soul mate was still on planet earth. Their first meeting was just three weeks after the regression session. At face value, the two appeared to be polar opposites, but the more they connected the more they realized how much they had in common. They began to uncover a slew of synchronicities and it started to feel like their souls had been in search for one another their entire lives. Their time together, though only 26 months, was a profound love experience that was nothing short of magical. Their gifts elevated one another and their connection became stronger than ever. And even after Ron passed away their souls were still connected as they continued to communicate with one another beyond the physical realm. This beautiful love story will soon be available in book and film format. Keep an eye out for "Twin Flames Beyond the Veil: A True Mystic Love Story." This story was curated by Ekanem.You can continue following Ayanna and her story on Facebook, IG, and LinkedIn @AyannaMojica and on her website www.ayannamojica.comFollow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcastTo share your story or Let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcastPODCAST SHOUTOUT:Make sure to check out our friends over at Books and Booze for an amazing bookish conversation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-booze/id1422517563

Ayanna + Ron | A Mystical Twin Flame Love Story

Candice Smith and her partner Luke had two first dates because the first one came too soon after Candice's very bad breakup with an ex. But this series of experiences made her ready to practice radically transparent honesty with Luke. They learned that intimacy is like a garden that needs to be nurtured and watered. The sum of the little things that we do has a big impact on the relationship over time. Our actions can make love flourish - or not.In this episode, we uncover how one couple's intimate communication led to the creation of an exciting business that helps other couples nurture their relationships over time. The KinkKit is a box that encourages intimate communication done right, in action. You can learn more about the KinkKit on IG and Facebook @thekinkkit or check out their website at www.thekinkkit.comThis episode was curated by Ekanem.Follow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcastTo share your story or Let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcastPODCAST SHOUTOUT:Make sure to check out our friends over at Books and Booze for an amazing bookish conversation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-booze/id1422517563

Candice + Luke | Love, Intimacy, and Radical Transparency

Real Conversations About Love and MarriageFollow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcastTo share your story or Let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcast

Welcome to Choose Love!

Elise and Ben first met at work and became fast friends. Both were in a relationship at the time, but soon after they both became single. While focusing on healing from their recent breakups, they remained friends and helped each other through it. They began tackling their bucketlist items together. The more they learned about each other, the more they fell in love. One special night at a state fair while they were having their caricatures drawn, Elise whispered to the artist asking if he could write "it's official" on the drawing. And the rest is history. They are big believers in slowing down and appreciating the small things – baking pies, raising bees, spontaneous road trips. And together they continue to support one another as they journey through the new terrains of their relationship. Elise most recently started a freelancing photography business.The story was curated by Stephen.Follow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcastTo share your story or Let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcast

Elise + Ben | A Buzzworthy Love Story

Marcus and Madeline did long distance for years before ever getting married. Right after getting married, they moved across the country and had to restart their lives. Madeline is an entrepreneur and the couple is Catholic. A huge part of their marriage is Natural Family Planning. Madeline is apart of a group of young women who advocate and share their experiences with NFP about the most intimate and sometimes the toughest parts of marriage – sex, fertility and creating families. The couple was interviewed by Ekanem.You can find Madeline on Instagram @madelinemontee and follow her blog https://www.themonicaministry.com/Follow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcastTo share your story or Let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcast

Madeline + Markus | Natural Family Planning

Grant was the first person in history to receive a cochlear implant as an infant. He was born deaf and had an unprecedented surgery that allows him the ability to hear in one ear. Fast-forward to high school. Myranda was the new girl at school and Grant almost immediately developed a crush. But when he asked Myranda out, she said no. A few years later, they met again at a wedding and something clicked. They started dating and, within the first week of their new relationship, were faced with another massive surgery to save his hearing. They've faced some major hurdles and wins in the short time they've been married. The couple was interviewed by Stephen.Follow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcastTo share your story or Let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcast

Myranda + Grant | Persistence in Love and Hearing

Johnna and Chris Farrel met in high school, but being just one year apart made Chris invisible to Johnna as a love interest. He was just her best friend's immature younger cousin. But he kept his eye on her and finally made a move when she was in college. Even so, it took years plus some difficult long distance negotiating before they were married. Three children and a few trials later, Johnna and Chris can definitely say they are now truly in love. Find out how this love story developed and how the two of them have turned it into a resource for others who want to build strong marriages. The story was curated by Ekanem.You can continue to follow Johnna and Chris' love story by following their social media and listening to their podcast: Grow Yourself Grow Your marriage (on Stitcher Radio, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify)Instagram and Facebook: @growyourselfgrowyourmarriageFollow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcastTo share your story or Let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcastAudio Credits:Virtual Trip by Niwel https://soundcloud.com/niwel-516897768Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/virtual-tripMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/WflPo9BVZtE

Johnna + Chris | A Toast to Love

This love story is unlike any other. Taeler and Kolton's grew up together and since their moms were best friends they were pretty much attached to the hip. Their childhood was pretty much a compilation of camping trips, Disneyland adventures, and some innocent flirtatious competition. They were close and got to know each other well over the years from childhood and now into adulthood, but nothing serious ever came of it until Kolton decided to turn up the romance.They began dating and Taeler took this as an opportunity to let her creative juices flow. For each new date, Taylor designed a new dress to show Kolton how much they meant to her. The rest is pretty much history. Check out the first seven dresses Taeler made and more juicy details about their love story in her blog post: https://www.zipeaserompers.com/blogs/news/the-boy-next-door. To continue following her love story and seamstress adventures we encourage you to follow Taeler on IG @zipease and FB @zipeaserompers. The story was narrated by Ekanem.Follow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcastTo share your story or let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcast

Taeler + Kolton | The Boy Next Door

There's no such thing as a perfect love, but with perseverance and communication you can overcome almost any obstacle. Even after you fall in love, the world continues to spin around you and life continues to happen. With that comes trials and tribulations that will test and tempt you both. Sometimes it can be easy to give up and waive the white flag, but sometimes it's even better to hunker down and stand firmly together. Join us for a new episode with Michael and Laura as they share their love adventure with Stephen.Follow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcastTo share your story or let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcast

Laura + Michael | The Keys to Love

In this episode, we explore the love story of Aleisha and Rich, the lovers behind the Bridechilla podcast. Their love story started with happy coincidence and a witty Facebook comment. One thing led to another and they decided to start dating in a long distance relationship. After a few months, they decided to meet in person for the first time and had an amazing European adventure. The rest is pretty much history. Being together all these years has taught them that the journey of love can be a bumpy one and choosing love means cherishing each day including the highs and the lows. The story is narrated by Aleisha and Eddie.Bridechilla brings a much needed perspective to the wedding industry, encouraging brides to focus on authenticity and facing the realities of getting married with a an arsenal of resources. You can check out the podcast on your favorite podcast player or on IG @bridechilla.Follow us on Instagram for updates at https://www.instagram.com/chooselovepodcastTo share your story or let us know what you thought of the episode, email us at chooselovepodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!Chat with us on FlickChat: https://flick.group/chooselovepodcast

Aleisha + Rich | The Anti-Bridezilla

We believe in the magic of love and all of its shapes, colors, and sizes. You can call us hopeless romantics, but we like to think of ourselves as revolutionaries. Each week we look at the big, universal idea of love and zoom in on the rich details of love stories. We listen for the moments that stir something in us — the moments that transform us. We dig into life’s big questions about love because they enable us to better understand ourselves and the world around us. Our hope is that these stories inspire you to #chooselove in your own life and join the revolution!

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Choose Love: Extraordinary Love Stories

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