Our Story

The Beginning
Charles and Dawn first met a couple of years back and, despite their initial attraction, there was no real action. About a year and a half ago, Chas decided to ask her out to gauge her new reaction. Well we both had a blast but the feeling didn’t last; a truly fabulous night, but the timing wasn’t right. Now the third of July, by fluke or by fate, we hit the ‘Taste of Chicago’ on what was not supposed to be a date. Fireworks started early and there was something in the air – chemistry like

this is something very rare. There was no mistake about it that the time had finally come for Charlie and Aurora and their journey to be one.

The Engagement
We’ve both waited a long time to find the “one” especially designed for us by the One who knows us thoroughly and loves us perfectly. Charles gave thanks to God every day for meeting Aurora; thus, he decided to propose to her on Thanksgiving Eve. While some may expect a romantic night out in a fancy restaurant, he really couldn’t have picked a better setting: in the kitchen, where we’ve spent many hours enjoying flavorful conversation. We decided to start our own Thanksgiving tradition and cook Paella. We had just started the preparation. I was wearing workout pants, fuzzy slippers, an apron, and had on no make-up. Also, it had been a particularly stressful day and I was not especially loveable either. Chas brought me a glass of wine and suggested we make a toast. I said I was thankful for Jesus and for the man who runs a close second, Charles. Then it was his turn and he got down on one knee and pulled out a little red box and asked would I give him the honor of being his wife. I freaked out! I was totally not expecting this and I was overcome by uncontrollable nervous laughter. What washed over me was how ecstatically happy this made me and yet how undeserving I felt. I suddenly realized with greater clarity than ever why marriage is a shadow and picture of Christ and His church. Jesus gave us something so beautiful in our worst moment. I felt if this man wants to marry me today, like this, then he must sincerely love me. Yes! A thousand times, yes!

This poem that Charles wrote for Aurora Dawn is simply entitled:

 ?

Do you like the way you’re held
Does it finally feel like home
Will it make you feel safe
Enough to give up rights to roam

Look deep into my eyes
Can you see what’s in my heart
Can you see into my soul
Do you ever want to part

When you touch my skin
Do you feel the fire within
Feel the passion burning
Will new lives soon begin

When you taste my lips
Does it make your body tingle
Is the taste that’s on my tongue
Spicier than single

When you hear my voice
Does it make your spirit sing
Is there any other choice
Or is it time to buy the ring

When I leave the room
Does the scent of my body linger
Are you left there wanting more
Then let me have you finger

How do you like my love
How does it make you feel
If it sets you free
Then lets seal the deal

To express her love to Charles, here are the words of Aurora.

You are…

…the Rock Climber. You are right, no one has ever known me the way you do. I only hope and pray that your reward for finding this treasure is great!! It inspires me to let God continue transforming me into the creation He meant for me to be because I want nothing more than to be everything you ever dreamed and more than you imagined possible in a woman. Sometimes the rock will be easier to climb than other times, but I want the view from the top to be worth every drop of sweat, every tear, every strain and struggle. Thank you for taking the time to stop along the way and notice all the little details that no one else has bothered to enjoy.

…my Safety Zone. I feel so unbelievably comfort and peaceful with you. I can’t describe how wonderful it feels to be led by you, to walk with you and let you take me wherever you see fit and know that we’ll not only reach our destination but have an adventure along the way. I have dreamed of being able to hide in someone and stand behind someone and truly belong to someone. I have this in Jesus and now I see why a relationship with a man is supposed to be a shadow of what He offers. Thank you for being the manifestation of what used to be just theory. Thank you for bringing me your strength and offering me your tenderness too.

…a DarkHorse. You are always surprising me – so clever and full of ingenuity and consideration and drive and determination. There’s far more to you than what meets the eye…and what meets the eye is so spectacular and sensitive and sexy. You are the fastest kid on the block and you will always be the one capturing my heart, winning the prize of my body, wearing the medal of my heart. Your words and your touch steal the show and rock my world. Whether you’re out in front, behind the scenes, coming up from the rear, or nowhere to be seen, you are the only one who stands in my winner’s circle.

…my Promised Land. You are what I always wanted, what I’ve waited years for, what I dream of, what I live for, what I endured the dessert for, what I climbed mountains for, what I sacrificed and prayed for. You are more important and special than you can ever know. You are the Land I want to care for and cultivate. You are worth the work, even the toil. Together with the Holy Spirit we will conquer our enemies and enjoy the abundance of the Lord’s blessings. This Land, our Land, stretches far and the greatest assignment and thrill of my life will be to explore that Land with you.

I love you forever.
Aurora Dawn, your beauty.