James’s Easter Proposal to Leontine at the Chapel of the Holy Cross

They had their wedding date set for July but she had no idea when James was going to propose. For Lent Leontine gave God their relationship, that she would be patient till James was going to officially ask her to be his wife. James planned with my husband Denny a romantic church proposal in Sedona on the perfect day that represents joy, celebration and love— Easter. It was Leontine’s birthday weekend. Friday she had a birthday celebration in Scottsdale. Saturday she went sky diving and Sunday her soon-to-be husband proposed.

Leontine’s friend Nalia, her maid of honor, flew into Arizona knowing James was going to propose. After Easter service, Leontine, Denny, Nalia, Joseph and I drove up to Sedona with the plans of having wet fun at Slide Rock. The plan was to get Leontine to the chapel. James had told Leontine he was going to have to be at church all day doing Easter things. It was my job to point out the church and insist how we should see this beautiful church building real quick before getting to Slide Rock.We entered the church building. Leontine had no idea what was going to happen. She approached the altar and stepped behind it to see some gravings. As she did that she saw James on one knee asking would she marry him.There were no words but complete surprise painted on Leontine’s face. There was much joy and love that filled that church building that very afternoon at the Chapel of the Holy Cross.You can see a short clip of James proposing to her here. Video done by my husband Denny.

James’s best man, Eric, and Leontine’s maid of honor , Nalia, were there to witness the two wanting to commit to one another.James is the fourth “James Lee Alexanader” in his family.The following picture depicts what is to come in the future. Check out Leontine’s expression!We took a few pictures while we were near the chapel.This picture below holds significance. Leontine is from Kinshasa, the Democractic Republic of the Congo, and this expression of posing near nature is an African tradition. She does it with so much grace and poise.Thank you James and Leontine for inviting Denny and I to witness the grand gesture of your marriage proposal. Congratulations James and Leontine on your upcoming marriage!

Stay tuned to see James and Leontine’s engagement pictures and to hear more of their love story on 10,000 Smiles.

To see more of James and Leontine’s Easter Chapel of the Holy Cross Proposal photos, feel free to CLICK HERE for their slideshow!