LANSING, Mich. — FOX 47 was at the Grand Ledge Opera House Bridal Show on Sunday, where we announced our wedding giveaway winners.
Grand prize winner submission: Alexandra and Efe
“I love you.” That was the first text I ever received from Efe. We were just 15 years old, attending East Lansing high school as freshmen. I responded and said, “who is this?” And he said, “your future husband.” Although it was a little weird at the time, I never imagined that 9 years later that same 15-year-old boy would be the incredible man getting down on one knee asking me to be his wife. Our path of being high school sweethearts wasn’t always an easy one. We both pursued our dreams of playing college athletics, and went to school 5 hours apart, but there was no doubt in my mind that Efe was the only man that would ever have my heart. 2% of high school athletes go on to play collegiate sports. We accomplished that goal. Who was to say that we couldn’t be in the 1% of high school sweethearts to follow through with a commitment of love and marriage for the rest of our lives? I love this man. He makes me believe in myself and in my dreams. He has taught me patience and love, and how to laugh at myself when I take things too seriously. We have taught each other the value of a person’s soul and not the color of their skin. We’re never perfect but we’re always growing- learning how to love and how to cherish the moments we have with each other. The 15-year-old from 2008 is one lucky girl to be marrying the tall, skinny boy who would never let her win in a game of one on one basketball. But she won the best trophy of them all- his heart for the rest of his life.
2nd place winner submission: Jessica and Brian
I am submitting this form for my niece, Jessica Crippen. At the young age of 20 my niece lost her mother in a tragic accident.... life changed quickly after that as she was left as the older of two girls to help her father and sister navigate life without their mom. Jessica continued through college during this difficult time and held down a job to help the family. In 2016 she was introduced by a friend to Brian and they started dating long distance as she lived in Kalamazoo & he lived in Ypsilanti. They looked forward to the time they got to spend together as they both had busy jobs and school. Last year, at the age of 25 she lost her father to suicide. Jessica had to make decisions that no one in their 20’s should have to make for both parents…throughout it all Brian stood by her side and provided amazing support during these difficult times. Since the loss of her father, Jessica & Brian’s relationship grew stronger. We recently received a call from Brian as my husband and I treat her as our own now more than ever after the loss of her parents asking us if he could have her hand in marriage. We were honored that a young man would still follow such a time-honored tradition! Saturday January 12th Brian and Jessica attended a mystery dinner train in Charlotte, as they LOVE escape rooms and mystery dates! While trying to solve “who-done-it” Brian threw a curveball into the mix and proposed to Jessica on the train, who gladly accepted! Having been through so much at such a young age and knowing that the finances of a wedding will fall completely on them it would be an honor for her to receive this gift! Every young girl has a dream wedding and I would love to see this come true for her as well. My husband and I have two children of our own, taking on the financial responsibility of a wedding is an impossibility for us at the time. Thank you for your consideration, she is an amazingly strong girl!
3rd place winner submission: Bianca and Adam
Bianca Cantu and Adam Harris are good people. Solid people. They work hard. They are also some of the most generous.
I’ve been best friends with Bianca for almost 15 years, since high school. For as along as I’ve known her, she is always there to support you, no matter what you need. She will go out of her way to help. For 2 months straight, she will go out of her way to drive a co-worker to work, make you dinner if you need food, or crash at her place if you are going through a tough emotional time. All without complaining, even if it’s not the best for her. She will always help and put others first. Always.
Being her friend for so long, I was protective when Adam came into the picture. He’s a bit quieter than she is- scratch that- much quieter, or at least at first, he is. I soon saw how perfect they are for each other. They both love comics, anime, video games, and cats. He proposed to her at Youmacon- an anime convention in Detroit. It was perfectly Bianca. He understands her completely.
They bring the best out in one another. You can see it in both of their eyes when they look at the other, how much they love each other. Even when one of them is trying to steal the other’s food. Together they are the most laid-back, easy-going, laughing pair. I’ve rarely seen them fight, or even get into an argument. And I just spent 3 weeks with them on a trip to Japan we’d been planning for 3 years. Being in a foreign country, not knowing the language in tight quarters, and 2 12-hour flights tests you. They didn’t fight once.
They have 2 cats, Lola and Lincoln. Adam and Bianca love them to death and spoil them with love and attention. They also have managed to raise cats that don’t hop on tables or the counters. Their cats even don’t beg for food. That’s pretty amazing and is deserving of a award right there.
Both Bianca and Adam work hard. They don’t get to see much of each other except on the weekends. Bianca wakes up at 6am to work mornings. Adam works 2nd shift, that often strings into 3rd, so he normally first goes to bed about 6am. Schedules like that can be tough. But they work through it.
The picture I chose is one from our trip to Japan. They don't know that I even took the photo, or it exists. But it perfectly captures them. It shows how laid back, relaxed, and in love with one another they are.
Bianca and Adam put the other one first. They put their friends and family before themselves. They are always there when you need it. Sometimes before you even know you need help, they are there. They are the most selfless, easy-going, loving couple I know. This time they could use someone doing something to help them out for their wedding.
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