In March 2023, Hannah decided to make the most of her birthday and go visit her sister Tikvah in BC. Hannah’s best friend, Elisa, met her there. The only problem was that Tikvah didn’t have room for the two of them to stay at her place, so she arranged for Hannah and Elisa to stay at her old roommate Jorden’s house. Now Jorden was married to a man named Greg Redekop.

Months later, Greg Redekop was catching up with his best friend Ben who lived in New York City. The Redekops were telling him about a really nice girl named Hannah that they had met and thought might be a good match for him.

After Tikvah had told Hannah about the Redekops' idea, and Hannah had agreed to it, they gave Ben Hannah’s number.

Ben, deciding to show his personality, (what did he have to lose, right?) sent The Text.

“Hi Ms. Gilman, I’m with Redekop Matchmaking Services. I understand you may be looking for love in New York City?”

Hannah’s phone lit up. It was Ben! And he was funny! His sense of humour and the way he owned the situation intrigued her. It didn’t take them too many texts and facetime calls to decide that they wanted to meet in person.

On July 1st, 2023 Ben flew to Ottawa to meet Hannah. While it was clear that they had a real connection, it sadly was not the right time to continue pursuing a relationship.

Four months passed.

Ben reached out to Hannah but Hannah was not ready.

One month passed.

Hannah reached out to Ben. BEN WAS READY!

On December 26th, 2023, Ben flew to Ottawa again. What they didn’t know at the time was that, for the next year and a half, they would see each other every 2-4 weeks.

Throughout their long-distance relationship they have learned many things about God, themselves, and each other, growing and learning in ways they did not think possible.

Ben and Hannah are thankful to God, Tikvah, and Redekop Matchmaking Services. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

Ceremony

Reception