Mike and Michelle’s relationship has God’s fingerprints all over it. If you want full details, just ask them. Here’s the short and sweet version. They met on a Christian dating website, and were instantly drawn to each other’s profiles. Michelle was in Canada and Mike was in China. As they began messaging back and forth, the messages grew exponentially longer. Then, Skype. It wasn’t long before their first 9-hour conversation…then the second… then the third… Michelle's family noticed Michelle's increased yawns and smiles. Through more than a few laughs and intentional discussions on the important things in life, they quickly discovered their strong compatibility. From opposite sides of the globe, they built a deep friendship founded on Jesus Christ.
They made plans to meet in Canada in July; however, as they continued to grow closer, a romance began to bloom and July seemed a lot farther than first thought. During this time, God was frustrating Michelle’s job search in Canada because He had bigger, better plans in mind. Mike and Michelle looked at job opportunities for her in Beijing. In a short period of time, Mike, by the grace of God, put out the red carpet for Michelle to come to Beijing: job, apartment, plane ticket, opportunities to practice the 4 languages she speaks, a solid church and Bible study, and 24-hour Mandarin-English concierge service, courtesy of Mike himself.
Mike met her at the airport and surprised her with 24 roses in hand, then took her to Summer Palace the next day and asked her to officially be his girlfriend. The rest seems, at times, like a wonderful blur: praying together, dancing together, going on walks, having meaningful conversations, enjoying romantic dinners, scootering around Beijing… all the while laughing constantly and learning to love steadfastly. They made each day feel special, even days spent riding the subway, doing everyday errands, and working on their company. As they spent more time praying, reading the Bible together, and discussing the meaning of marriage, they both decided in their own hearts they wanted to spend the rest of their lives loving and following God together.
On July 1, 2015, Mike took Michelle back to Summer Palace to the same grassy knoll they visited on her second day in Beijing. He proposed. SHE SAID YES!!!
Mike and Michelle met through a Christian dating website, which up 'til this point left them with very low expectations of finding "the one" online
"I really enjoyed talking with you, when would be a good time to talk again?" -Mike, ending every call
Since Michelle was job searching and Mike was on holiday for Chinese Spring Festival, they had plenty of time to talk, and they certainly used it
They put in a full work day laughing and sharing their lives as best they could from thousands of miles away
"How did we used to only message back and forth, but not Skype?" -Michelle, after nearly 9 hours of talking
The last piece of the puzzle fell into place for Michelle to come to Beijing
"Time slowed. My heart raced. Those first few seconds lingered on like an eternity. Time itself crumbled before me and I didn't care. All else faded and blurred. There she was. Her. She's here...WOOOHOOO!!!" Mike's inner monologue
Sarah is Michelle’s one and only sister and Maid of Honor. While many people have actually thought they were twins, Sarah is in fact 15 months older. Sarah loves to read, bake delicious desserts, and work with kids. She’s an EA and specializes in working with autistic kids, and is extremely patient and loyal. In her spare time she can be found lane swimming, doing creative projects while catching up on her Netflix shows, or Skyping with Michelle, who is normally half way around the world.
Marie-Michelle and Michelle met on their first day of undergrad at the University of Ottawa and immediately became great friends. They competed in lifeguard competitions, lived together for a year and later went on to do the same Master program. Marie-Michelle also has an adventurous spirit, a knack for business and a love of languages and discovering new cultures. They backpacked around South America together for a month, met up in multiple countries in Europe and always dream about where their next travel destinations will be.
Tara and Michelle have been good friends for 9 years. They met lifeguarding at an outdoor pool one summer and hit it off right away. Their friendship is full of life-giving laughter and inside jokes, and they always do fun things together, like attempt to play tennis and go skating, even if they aren’t so skilled. Tara is an EA and teacher in a kindergarten class and is patient beyond belief. Tara got married in 2012 to a man named Evan, and Michelle had the joy and pleasure of being a bridesmaid in her wedding.
Amy and Michelle met at their church youth group back in 2001 and have remained loyal friends all these years. They were on the same mission trip to Ecuador in 2010 and had a blast together serving God and local kids from the slums at a kid’s camp. Amy and Michelle love to meet up for breakfast dates (they both love coffee!) and often go to parks for intense walks and workouts. Amy is a nurse, and that suits her really well because she has such a joyful spirit and definitely knows how to take care of people.
Mike and Michelle will be moving back to China at the end of October where they will be managing their consulting and training company, Gropp Global. They plan to stay in China for at least a year then relocate to California or Chile. They are excited to start this blessed, God-given adventure: marriage.
After the wedding, Michael & Michelle will be making their home in Beijing, China. As you can imagine, transporting wedding gifts to Beijing will present a challenge. At weddings in China, the Chinese give gifts of money in red envelopes called 红包 Hong Bao. In Chinese culture, red represents joy and prosperity. In order to bless the couple with a monetary gift, we have enclosed a Hong Bao envelope in your invitation should you desire to participate in this Chinese tradition.
Do you Instagram? Please tag your photos from our wedding and help us capture the story of our day.
Below are two wedding guest hotel options. Due to Canadian Thanksgiving and Oktoberfest, hotels will book up fast. Book soon to ensure your party has hotel rooms.
Address: 110 Erb Street West Waterloo, Ontario N2L 0C6 Canada
Phone: +1 888-890-3222
Click here to book online with special guest discount
Note: AAA/CAA members will want to check member prices before booking to ensure the best price
Address: 14 Benjamin Rd. Waterloo, ON N2V 2G8 Canada
Phone: +1 519-772-9800
Click here to book online
To Michelle and Mike….we look very forward to sharing this special day with the both of you!! Love, Aunt Joanne and Uncle Keith xo
Joanne and Keith WatsonWe are so delighted that you have found each other. It doesn’t seem like that long ago that Michael got on a plane to go half-way round the world to follow his dreams. It is amazing to see how God has been preparing you both for the lives you are now fusing together. We are excited to join you to celebrate the beginning of so many wonderful things that God will be doing in and through you and your family.
Welcome to the family Michelle & love to you both!
Love,
Gordie & Katie Galloway
Allie, Aaron, & Adam
Thank God for how He has brought you two together! We always knew it would take the rare kind of woman itching for adventure, eager to laugh and full of the Holy Spirit to come alongside our little brother. He has found that and more in you, Michelle. We are counting down the days to celebrate the beginning of the biggest adventure two people can have: Ma-wege!
You are often in our prayers and thoughts. Jack and Jane keep asking if it is time to go to Canada to see Uncle Mike get married–Anticipation abounds!
All our love and hugs,
Morgan, Anna, Jack & Jane
Please RSVP before August 31, 2015
Michael and Michelle, We are so thrilled that you will be married soon. Michael you have chosen a wonderful, accomplished, and godly woman to be your wife and we couldn’t be happier. Michelle we are so glad that you will be part of our family and that Michael will be added to yours as well. May God’s blessing be upon you as your prepare for the Big Day. Luvya, Mom and Dad, Jane and Steve
Steve and Jane Gropp