Unexpected Love Stories | Real Romance & Relationships You Never Saw Coming

Dawn Lawson Pruszkowski
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Semiweekly

Would you buy a wedding dress before a proposal? Have you ever met someone who just knew? Love is unpredictable—it finds us in ways we never expect. On Unexpected Love Stories, real people share how they met, fell in love, and built meaningful relationships. From finding love after loss, to reconnecting decades later, to stories that feel written before they happen—these real love stories will surprise you. Subscribe and discover romance, relationships, and the love stories you never saw coming.

  1. 35 | She Changed. He Got Angry. Their Marriage Nearly Didn’t Survive. | Pasqual & Norma Urrabazo

    May 27

    35 | She Changed. He Got Angry. Their Marriage Nearly Didn’t Survive. | Pasqual & Norma Urrabazo

    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

    40 min
  2. 34 | He Was Ready to Move Forward. She Wasn’t. | A Second Chance Love Story | Laurel & Ed Nicholson

    May 13

    34 | He Was Ready to Move Forward. She Wasn’t. | A Second Chance Love Story | Laurel & Ed Nicholson

    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

    52 min
  3. 33 | They Worked Together But Never Met—Until a Missed Hello Almost Cost Them Everything | A Second Chance Love Story of Faith, Healing… and a Star Wars Proposal | John & Rebekah Schafer

    Apr 29

    33 | They Worked Together But Never Met—Until a Missed Hello Almost Cost Them Everything | A Second Chance Love Story of Faith, Healing… and a Star Wars Proposal | John & Rebekah Schafer

    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

    1h 2m
  4. 32 | Do Opposites Really Attract… or Almost Miss Each Other Entirely? From Strong First Impressions to an Unexpected Love Story of Growth, Grace, and a Lasting Marriage That Changed Everything

    Apr 15

    32 | Do Opposites Really Attract… or Almost Miss Each Other Entirely? From Strong First Impressions to an Unexpected Love Story of Growth, Grace, and a Lasting Marriage That Changed Everything

    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

    56 min
  5. 31 | He Saw Her Across the Room… But Was About to Go on a Date with Her Best Friend | Faith, Cancer & a Romantic Love Story

    Apr 1

    31 | He Saw Her Across the Room… But Was About to Go on a Date with Her Best Friend | Faith, Cancer & a Romantic Love Story

    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

    57 min
  6. 30 | A Single Mom Fell at Church-The ER Doctor Who Helped Her Changed Her Life | Dr. Marla Woodmansee’s Love Story

    Mar 18

    30 | A Single Mom Fell at Church-The ER Doctor Who Helped Her Changed Her Life | Dr. Marla Woodmansee’s Love Story

    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

    45 min
  7. 29 | Engaged in 1 Month, Married Fast—Then Drifted Quietly: How Josh & Shelly of God’s Goodness Podcast Faced Red Flags, a Misdiagnosis, and Found Healing Through Faith

    Mar 4

    29 | Engaged in 1 Month, Married Fast—Then Drifted Quietly: How Josh & Shelly of God’s Goodness Podcast Faced Red Flags, a Misdiagnosis, and Found Healing Through Faith

    They met on Yahoo Personals in 2009. One month later, they were engaged—but fast love doesn’t guarantee deep connection. Josh was serving in the Army Reserves, recovering from the collapse of his second marriage and convinced his “picker” was broken. Shelly saw his profile and paid to upgrade her account just to keep the conversation going. When they finally met, Josh couldn’t shake the feeling that he had known her forever. Despite red flags, a bipolar diagnosis, medication, and two very different spiritual backgrounds, they married in July 2010. What followed wasn’t dramatic failure—it was something quieter. Over time, they drifted. They felt more like roommates than partners. And beneath the surface, something deeper needed healing. In this episode, Josh and Shelly share how emotional healing, spiritual alignment, and one step of obedience reshaped their marriage—and how God often works internally long before anything changes on the outside. More info and photos of Josh & Shelly 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

    42 min
  8. 28 | They Had a Crush on Each Other for 3 Years, But No One Said a Word. The Mr. Darcy Slow-Burn Love Story of Andrew & Lara Pilcher Began with One Brave Sentence

    Feb 18

    28 | They Had a Crush on Each Other for 3 Years, But No One Said a Word. The Mr. Darcy Slow-Burn Love Story of Andrew & Lara Pilcher Began with One Brave Sentence

    They had a crush on each other for three years, but no one said a word. Working side by side in theatre and ministry in Perth, Australia, Andrew and Lara Pilcher quietly admired each other — building productions, sharing faith, and guarding their hearts. Lara’s feelings grew bolder. Andrew’s remained hidden behind steady friendship and restraint. When Lara finally chose courage and told him how she felt, he admitted he felt the same… but hesitated to act. Words were spoken. Nothing changed. Frustrated and ready for clarity, Lara stepped back. Then came a masked New Year’s Eve party — and the one sentence from Andrew that changed everything, “I want to journey with you.” In this episode of Unexpected Love Stories, Andrew and Lara share the tension of waiting, the cost of hesitation, and the courage it takes to finally speak. If you’ve ever been stuck in the “almost,” wondering whether to wait or walk away, this story will remind you that sometimes the right love is already beside you — just waiting for someone to be brave. Listen now — and don’t forget to follow Unexpected Love Stories for more real stories of faith, timing, and unexpected love. More info and photos of Andrew & Lara Bianca 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: https://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

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Would you buy a wedding dress before a proposal? Have you ever met someone who just knew? Love is unpredictable—it finds us in ways we never expect. On Unexpected Love Stories, real people share how they met, fell in love, and built meaningful relationships. From finding love after loss, to reconnecting decades later, to stories that feel written before they happen—these real love stories will surprise you. Subscribe and discover romance, relationships, and the love stories you never saw coming.

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