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