We met on a very cold, snowy night in January 2023 at Sierra Restaurant in Lone Tree after having connected on eharmony.com eleven days earlier. Doug had joined EHarmony on a whim after having very little success with previous dating sites. Cheryl had rejoined Eharmony the previous fall, knowing that her schedule did not really permit time for dating.

Here’s how Cheryl recounts the story:

“ I was looking forward to our first meeting. He walked in the door of Sierra, confirmed his reservation with the host and walked straight to me. He was charming and warm, with a ready smile, and made me feel comfortable from the start. The food was great, and the menu selection he unknowingly made was a favorite of mine.

Our conversation was easy and relaxed, unlike any other of my previous first dates. The more I observed, and listened to him, the more I liked him. Little did I know then, but this first meeting would be the beginning of a wonderful year of courtship and an answer to my prayer for a deep love for-and-from a man of God’s choosing!”


Here’s how Doug recounts the story:

It was an incredibly busy day at work, and I really didn’t have time to stop and think about anything. I went straight from the office to the restaurant so I wouldn’t be late, not knowing what to expect. She was sitting in the waiting area looking up at me as I came towards her. I wasn’t a bit nervous and I was looking forward to getting to know this friendly and engaging lady.

We ordered Chili Relleno appetizers, and started to talk about life, longings, and a variety of subjects. It was a direct and to-the-point conversation, unlike most first dates. I was very relaxed around her, and I felt very comfortable just sitting and talking. I knew deep down in my heart that we would have a second date. Cheryl did agree to meet 10 days later on a Sunday afternoon. She took my arm as I walked across the snowy parking lot to her car. She looked at me and said, “Well, you have checked all the boxes.” I waited to say goodbye and moved forward to give her a hug. She kissed me briefly on the lips and said she would take the time to process our conversation. I knew that something very important had happened to me, and that my life would never be the same.”


It’s been over a year now and we have spent 2023 laying a foundation for our relationship and enjoying a courtship filled with wonderful memories. We’ve gotten to know each other well through spending time together and through countless late-night, lengthy phone discussions.

I proposed to Cheryl on October 13, 2023 at Del Frisco Restaurant, getting down on one knee and sharing my heart with her. Cheryl shared that it was the happiest night of her life. The same holds true for me.

We give full praise to God for giving us this precious gift of love. We are best friends, and we look to build on the foundation that has been laid. Please continue to pray for us, that our love will reflect the kindness of God and the power of his redeeming grace.