First a little about ourselves (for our friends and relatives who have not yet had a chance to meet us in person).
Daniel Scott Thompson
Please, call me Danny. I am currently 25 by the time of our ceremony. I was born in Toledo, Ohio and have lived in Perrysburg for most of my life. Shanel would most likely describe me as a child by heart. My hobbies include playing music, watching cartoons, traveling to new and exciting places with Shanel, and keeping up with the latest Marvel super hero movies. I received my BS in Early Childhood Education in December of 2011 from Bowling Green State University and am now in my second year of teaching at L. Hollingworth School for the Talented and Gifted (a charter school located in Toledo). My faith has always been a large part of my life and guides me through all my decision making, including asking Shanel to become my wife. I am excited to meet the rest of her friends and family I have not had a chance to yet.
Shanel Genevieve Petty
Hello, I'm Shanel! My closest friends and family call me Shelly, so please do not be confused! I am 23 and hail from a place called CandleWood Lake in Mount Gilead, Ohio. Currently, I'm enrolled in Ohio Northern University's college of Pharmacy and am finishing up my last year doing clinical rotations. I will graduate May 11, 2014 (Happy Mother's Day Mom!) and take my boards in June. When I have spare time, which is a rarity I can assure you, I enjoy singing and traveling with Danny, enjoying the arts (musicals, galleries, concerts etc), and now wedding planning! Like Danny, faith is also something I cherish in my life. I am so excited to become a Thompson and am also so happy to be able to meet and get to know Danny's family and friends!
OUR STORY
Our relationship began in a unique way (though it seems to be getting more popular every day). We met online through a site called okcupid.com in November of 2011. At this time I was living with my parents while Shanel was taking classes at ONU. We messaged back and forth for a few weeks until we felt comfortable exchanging phone numbers to text and call one another.
The big step of meeting in person happened in January of 2012.
Our first date was the day before MLK day. I (Shanel) chose to go laser tagging in Findlay, Ohio. Unfortunately, I was utterly and relentlessly defeated in what turned out to be one-on-one laser tag. From this anhilation, however, arose a quote from Daniel that would stick with me: "I will never LET you win, so when you DO win, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you were truly better than me." After a few games, Daniel took me to the nearby Applebees for dinner. We had a great time that eventually ended with a hug and a promise that Daniel would "definitely be calling soon"
After going on dates for about a month and getting the other men vying for Shanel's attention out of the way, our relationship became "official" on February 17th, 2012. Since then we have shared many adventures together.
In April of 2013, I secretively asked Shanel's father and mother for their permission to ask Shanel to marry me. While they were surprised, they were also very excited and accepting.
On May 31, 2013 I asked Shanel to become my wife. (pictures can be seen below).
Thank you for taking the time to get to know us a little better!
I heard there was a secret chord
That David played and it pleased the lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
Well it goes like this the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall and the major lift
The baffled king composing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Out of college, I move back home
Without my friends I feel alone
I reach out in a way I’m not used to
Online I found a woman who
Seemed far too good to be true
And in my heart I cried out hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Months have passed, we’ve had a ball
Parties, trips, we’ve done it all
Each day’s a new reason to love you
Each day with you is utter bliss
And sweeter still with every kiss
And everyday I cry out hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Now in this moment and in this place
I look upon your lovely face
And there’s something I’m dying to ask you
The next step I take in my life
I’d like to take with you as my wife
If yes I’ll sing a whole new hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
That David played and it pleased the lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
Well it goes like this the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall and the major lift
The baffled king composing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Out of college, I move back home
Without my friends I feel alone
I reach out in a way I’m not used to
Online I found a woman who
Seemed far too good to be true
And in my heart I cried out hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Months have passed, we’ve had a ball
Parties, trips, we’ve done it all
Each day’s a new reason to love you
Each day with you is utter bliss
And sweeter still with every kiss
And everyday I cry out hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Now in this moment and in this place
I look upon your lovely face
And there’s something I’m dying to ask you
The next step I take in my life
I’d like to take with you as my wife
If yes I’ll sing a whole new hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah