From Church Pew to "I Do": Our Whirlwind Mormon Love Story 💍✨

[@VirtuousHereticKristin]

These series you’re doing around your lives are pure gold. Well done.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

❤️❤️

[@SuperTiffyLynne]

Your kids are so lucky to have these videos to watch when they grow up.

[@gregshell8570]

Are you a Mormon?

[@joycehunt1307]

My husband and I met and married within 6 months. My family was horrified at how fast it was but it's been 42 years and we're still in love and going strong. I hope you and Sam are just as lucky.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sarahsimpson8770]

I am loving your life story. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I am 87, my husband is 84. We are 53 years into our second marriage. We have a combined family of six children, 11 grandchildren, four great grandchildren with another to arrive in March, and one great great grandchild. We knew each other for seven years before we were abandoned by our individual first spouses, and were married very soon after our divorces. We have survived many joyful and many painful life experiences but are as in love today as the day we were married.

[@ggrace1133]

Such a wonderful video. You two are golden at sharing without condemnation or disrespect, which is so helpful in trying to learn about you, your pasts, and how you have navigated your life together! I admire you so much for HOW you tell us about your lives. I wish more people would share like this.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️

[@LisaS-ul6vx]

Absolutely love hearing your story and seeing how much you still love and care for each other! My husband and I were high school sweethearts, were engaged at 15 and 17, and married at 19 and 21. We will be celebrating our 41st anniversary in December, and we are more in love than ever.❤

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Wow! That is incredible 😊 congratulations! ❤️

[@kkaye76]

You guys could have a recommitment ceremony now and have your family & Sam's family too if they'd come. That would help heal some of the wounds that you can tell Melissa still feels strongly about.

[@sandigoguen4616]

This story has all the markings of a Hallmark movie 😊❤❤❤

[@user-kk9hp6sf3t]

They truely do

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you! 😊❤️❤️

[@jewelgazer]

Lol

[@julieprince5538]

Sam and Melissa, I found your channel about a month ago and I have listened to Sam’s story and now listening to Melissa’s story and I just feel I need to share my thoughts and feelings about you both. From the first time I listened to you, your kindness, respectfulness and love for others just radiated from you both! I had some judgment about the FLDS which I was not proud of and when Sam shared that his parents drove him to the MTC out of Love for him completely changed my perspective. Melissa sharing the experience of your Dad not being able to attend your ceremony in the temple because of different beliefs and some of the comments you received that it was his choice and fault and your response of non judgment was such an beautiful statement! You both are an inspiration for how we can change the world by loving each other despite our differences and beliefs. Thank you ❤ Much Love and may there be peace on Earth ☮️💜

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Oh wow! Thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@monicaswavel6074]

We aren’t from Mormonism or polygamy but my husband and myself centered our lives in church and met at a church singles and got married and our lives are still centered on Jesus and we raised our kids and now are pastors. What a beautiful story!

[@latter-dayfilmguy1382]

And now you're both running an awesome KZbin channel. You two are a great couple, and I love hearing your stories and your thoughts on current social events relating to the LDS and FLDS faiths.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@quickbeam36]

I love hearing your stories, I've watched most of your videos. I appreciate your insights and honesty, and how you so respectfully reflect on the faiths you are no longer part of. Having come from a completely different, non-religious background it is fascinating to hear about your experiences with the culture, rituals, and intentions behind these different (though similar) religious groups. I have learned a lot from each of you. Your calm and friendly way of speaking makes for great listening, on top of all the knowledge and insights you bring. Thanks, and I hope you keep going!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you! 😊❤️

[@robertadeniseoliveiradeluc7299]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamyqual religião seguem agora?

[@robertadeniseoliveiradeluc7299]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamyeu sou cristã! Chorei muito por tamanha maldade e abuso 😢

[@chrisiel8]

My husband and I got engaged at Disneyland too… 35 years ago! Six kids and five grandkids later, still going strong!

[@monicamacneille3372]

I can't put into words how much I enjoyed this episode. I can relate to so much of what Melissa is describing. I am 45 years old, and still trying to figure out how to stop thinking about myself as either a "good girl" or a "bad girl."

[@marieugorek5917]

My take as a person of faith: The Lord saw that neither of you would have had a healthy future in the Mormon church, so He led you to each other, so that you could deconstruct together. That's probably why Melissa felt the Spirit so strongly around Sam: not because he had a future in the church and she needed to find a future in the church to be with him, but because both of you would leave, and would need each others' support for that shift. And you are doing amazing work, exposing some of the least healthy elements of the FLDS and the LDS without omitting the positive elements of community support and feelings of safety that you two witnessed in your lives and the lives of others through those experiences. And on top of that, you are parenting two wonderful humans who will grow up with a healthy, balanced understanding of both the benefits and the potential risks of participation in a faith community.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you! 😊

[@mienafriggstad3360]

I completely agree with you.

[@chelseal654]

I feel that way too!

[@BigBilly-io3kf]

You two are great, natural public speakers. Beautiful bride. Good for calling out those who criticized your father, but don’t heed them anymore time. People like that are always going to find anything to criticize. They’re the unhappy ones.

[@lindagailsch]

What an amazing story. I already can't wait till next week.

[@cheyenne_spring]

10 years later > you two are still so cute/sweet and loving

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you! ❤️

[@cc-hk5ih]

Heartwarming your love story. Reminds me of my parents who passed away but spent almost 63 years together and fell for each other very quickly. I'm sorting their things as I move from my family home and see all their cards to each other and the love that endured for so long. I wasn't fortunate enough to find that but glad I got to spend time with them to the end. Their faith was important to them but it was never forced on us and they embraced people of all faiths or none married or not separated or not into our family as the world changed. Here's to a long life for you both truly lovely to see. Cc❤

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you thank you! ❤️

[@nancyevans3590]

I’m former LDS too. I was a convert so my parents were also not at my temple wedding. Melissa my feelings about that now are the same as yours . Glad the policy changed, confused as to why it had to be the way it was in the first place.

[@tonidecampli6823]

I’m so addicted to your channel! Been following you for awhile….originally started following you for your thoughts on Sister Wives ….now I just want to know your story….thank you!

[@dleehou1982]

Same!! To all of this lol. I'm so glad the algorithm brought me to them.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

❤️❤️

[@debbienelson9095]

I loved listening to your story. I have watched many of your previous videos and knew quite a bit of Sam’s story, but did not know Melissa’s story. I had tears in my eyes as she talked about her family experience when her father left the church. The story of your courtship and marriage brought such a smile to my face. I love the way you two are so respectful to each other. Thank you for sharing.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

❤️❤️❤️

[@RubyNeumann]

Amazing again. Thank you for sharing your story. Looking forward to hearing your next chapter in the journey.

[@sherryg1838]

My husband and I knew it was serious from the first week. We got engaged after six months, married after a year. We’ve been married 28 years. I’ve been enjoying your videos, looking forward to the next one.

[@beefrick9957]

I love this series, this episode in particular was so sweet. My husband and I have been married 11 years, and I remember two weeks into dating, just being hit by the realization that this was the man I was going to marry. I had to sit down because it was such a shock to my system. That was over 13 years ago now, and we have six beautiful babies together, and honestly, a life I only dreamed about. I’m glad you and Sam were able to find that too. ❤️

[@powderandpaint14]

Melissa's wedding dress looked amazing!

[@phillisob]

The part of the story I didn't know I wanted! Yay! I'll listen to whatever you two put out. So proud of you both!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you! 😊❤️

[@Signeddudu]

Ideal series for my sunday morning doggy walk. I gotta say I am as atheist as it gets but i found mormonism so interesting and you guys so warm and sweet. Keep up the good work!

[@lisamiller8470]

Thank you for sharing your story! Ya'll are just keeping us on our toes, making us wait a whole nother week!

[@annebaugh2835]

I love this story… when you know, you know!! 💕. Same with my husband and me.

[@SuperMysteriousRae]

I am so excited, thank you for sharing. I can't wait to listen to it. you guys' story has been so interesting. I always feel like it's a cliffhanger lol. Blessing to you guys ❤❤

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you! ❤️

[@suemiller3405]

How wonderful that you found each other! I love the "happily ever after" stories. It didn't happen in my life at all -- I tried 3 times. I've had a very good life, but I'm kind of lonely.

[@nikiemporellis8277]

Loving this series of your personal stories! It’s incredible how far you’ve both come in being able to talk about these topics

[@s.a.6082]

Y'all are definitely made for each other. Such a sweet story. My husband and I navigated a faith crisis together as well and made it out the other side closer than ever. I feel SO fortunate, and I love seeing other couples thriving on the other side as well. We've been married 15 years and have four kids. We came from the AUB and consider ourselves Christians now, although we don't belong to any denomination at this point.

[@LisaHouserman]

Totally wonderful as always. I just adore how the two of you impart information. You are a darling couple! Lisa from PA

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@aleniaharris5249]

Can't wait for the next one!!! Your stories are amazing. Thanks for sharing them so openly!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

You are so welcome! Thank you! 😊❤️

[@marthamontgomery9905]

You are getting very very adept at keeping a flow but also having unscripted genuine interest and response to each others comments . Probably one of your BEST videos yet ! An idea for a future video … the economics of plural families . How did flds family budget - finagle - vs how does a centennial or a less secluded poly family manage vs what can Melissa and Sam provide for their kids they could never have imagine in plural arrangements… Ie - the dividends Sam is discovering with being able to focus and provide for fewer kids. Some of the photos that have been shared from Jeff’s era FLDS really illustrate how tired and hungry kids and moms seemed to be - related to the strain of the costs OR related to Warren trying to control by withholding food and rest ?

[@xanthippe_2695]

I really enjoy listening to you both and appreciate you sharing your stories. I was baptized Catholic and attended church in my early childhood. Then we quit going around 6th grade. I joined a Christian youth group in my teens. When I had questions, for example, "how do you explain dinosaur fossils, etc?". I was told by the youth counselor that "they were signs the devil left behind to fool you." That made zero sense to me. After that, I was bullied and ostracized by the counselor and others. At that point, I left religion behind and have been an atheist ever since. In my opinion, most organized religions are formed to control their flock and collect money and rarely practice what they preach, except on Sundays. I also believe that if you choose to believe in a higher power and practice a faith, it can be done in your home and in how you live your life, by being kind, giving back, helping others. In other words, live your faith daily and be an example in your actions. That doesn’t mean be self-righteous, it just means, live by example. You both appear to be doing that. Thank you for sharing your honest experiences!💞

[@nickisaintg]

Love love love getting to know all the backstory! I’m so looking forward to next weeks part.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sarahheimer4243]

My husband and I went on our first date on April 3. We got engaged on July 5 and married on October 28. 6 months from beginning to marriage. It's been 14 years and still going strong!

[@gwenythturner7137]

I am loving your stories over the last few weeks, have been so interesting and enjoyable to watch! You are a lovely couple with a brilliant & informative KZbin outreach! I always enjoy so many of your videos that I’ve been watching for a year or two now. You are a lovely couple as I said before! God bless you!

[@pippilangkous5089]

What a great story. You had me smiling the whole time❤

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

❤️❤️❤️

[@kaseyy51]

This is a wonderful series; related with such love and kindness. Thank you for doing this and look forward to next week.

[@xiahlon8645]

I love your story and sense the same inner peace and bond my husband and I share (yes we fight sometimes, lol). We just try to be good parents and decent humans, no particular religion.

[@16cents561-aka-Cindi-Rice]

This is beautiful! When you know, you know! You were destined to be together ❤❤🎉

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

❤️❤️❤️

[@yoclark2723]

I just love hearing your love story. My husband and I are still in love just like you. It is such a blessing to have a loving partner. If everyone would study the teachings of Jesus this world would be close to heaven.

[@dianequist835]

What a great episode. It struck that what you two do, you take seriously, which is fantastic! It speaks to the characters you both have and hold dear.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@danandloribobolz8552]

You two are so cute!! Love hearing about your love story! ❤

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

❤️❤️

[@etmup80]

You two are officially my new favorite couple!😍You inspire and motivate me to want better for myself!💞

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Wow, thank you! ❤️

[@amycook6468]

This is such a great series. Thank you so much for sharing it. I already thought you two were an adorable couple but hearing how you met, your dating & engagement story makes you adorable x 1000!! Love seeing all the photos, too. Amazing!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sarahreinhart126]

Loved hearing your story. You guys need a new ceremony and a new reception!

[@meredithyoung9200]

OMG! How adorable were you too!? That wedding picture was gorgeous! I cried when I saw the picture. Gorgeous inside and out..thanks for sharing your story.

[@brynnes]

This is such a great story! Married my husband after 5 months. I was 41 and he was 55. When you know you know!

[@susanhirtzel8410]

Amazing, ongoing story! Thank you both for sharing your hearts and faith journey with all of us.

[@helen2619]

Sam, did you have any of your own family at the wedding? I feel like you two should have a vow renewal somewhere, and you can have everyone you love around you. Terrific story telling guys :) xx

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Yes, a few of my siblings that had left the FLDS church were at our reception 😊

[@amberatartimec2564]

This is fabulous!! Its reminding me of my love story, which is also a 'meeting again' moment. Its lovely to remember this as weve have some strain recently . Thanks for sharing!! 😊

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

You're welcome! And thank you! ☺️

[@user-kk9hp6sf3t]

I swear y'all are just the cutest couple. I love this series that you guys are doing.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

😊❤️❤️

[@padfootdoggy]

I agree Melissa. I told the one mormon guy. I would have a normal ceremony after or before and didn't care what the church said. Because to me family was the issue. I knew my dad would never join and so agreed he would be there... Sadly he didn't get to go to my wedding but I'm glad even at 16 I just knew what I wanted. I was my dad's daughter though

[@melissagosper3182]

I just found you guys from a random video that came up on my KZbin and I’m so glad I did. I spent my teenage years and early adult life in Hurricane and Virgin and my mom is disabled and needs 24 hour care. Most of her caregivers there were polygamists so I have such an inside view of that world and I remember when Rulon died and Warren took over and all of it! I went to a gathering at that big community park up in Centennial Park (or Hildale?) Anyways, I love this life you’ve built together and am so so happy for you. 🥰 I miss my friends from up the hill! (I’ve been in AZ for 15 years now)

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us! ❤️

[@kimneely4034]

You were meant to meet, it was written down in your book of life. ❤

[@emilystanzione925]

Love hearing your stories, thanks so much for sharing 🧡

[@heathermayfield4247]

What a lovely, heart warming, happy story.

[@munchie2u]

Sweetest story to date🥰. It was definitely meant to be💗

[@jennybrzuchowski7362]

We need pictures of you guys early on!

[@monicam4738]

This is so adorable. Ya'll are so relatable and kind I hope if your subscribers meet you in person you're not weirded out if they act like you're old friends because it feels like you are.

[@marionwernermoulton3252]

I love this series! Have you ever thought of renewing your vows with your whole family there?

[@carschmn]

9:58 the fact that she had decided she was going to die alone when she moved back to St. George is hilarious

[@melissabowers6268]

Praise God for you both and your journey in and out of fundamentalist Mormonism. I hope this inspires others to make this choice if it comes to that personal crisis of faith - over half a million people it is estimated leave Mormonism every year. You are helping those people out by sharing your story. It helps more than you will ever know. God Bless you and the work you are doing on this channel. Much love always.

[@heidibentz390]

This series is so great. It's so good to have all these bits and pieces you've shared in all your other videos come together. What a precious story you shared today and it gave me all the cozy feels. My heart breaks every time I hear you say " we tried so hard to be worthy", "I/we tried so hard to be perfect", etc. Because that's not Christianity, fam. That's not the Truth. That's man-made religion based on your own righteousness that isn't sufficient for earning your way to heaven. I am so eagerly waiting to hear about your deep dive into the "teachings of Jesus".

[@RedDolly-g5z]

Beautiful video one of my favourites ever! You two are just adorable

[@adoptgdx651]

You are both brave compassionate people. Thank you for sharing

[@gwendolynnorton6329]

Cutest story ever! 💕

[@RykerRoadLucifer]

Beautiful story, so different from my own but I’ve been with my lovely man 19 years and we got married last month! Thank you so much for sharing ❤

[@RykerRoadLucifer]

I’ve just realised what my user name is, I’ve now changed it. I don’t believe or follow any faith, My names Lucie and my friends nicknamed me that as a joke. But I appreciate it could offend others, very sorry ❤

[@Leila-311]

Thanks for sharing your journey! You both are amazing.

[@Sleepymoy1319]

What a beautiful dress! And a beautiful story! Almost a true fairytale!

[@mlhaenel22]

I have been following you for awhile and I love these video series. Thank you for sharing your love story with us!

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Would like to see a follow up with Melissa’s Dad on his faith journey

[@laurenl720]

Thanks for sharing your story. Glad to see y’all are still madly in love. ❤

[@iamgraci_]

I love these two

[@sharonwisinger5162]

What a very sweet story ❤

[@mienafriggstad3360]

🥰 I truely believe that God did bring you together. Knowing you would work together to leave that religion. 🙏from Saskatchwan 🇨🇦

[@jandavis3259]

Wonderful to hear your love story. I'm so impressed with your love and compatibility. Looking forward to the next chapter. Have you thought of writing a book?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Yes, we are working on a book but it still has a long way to go.

[@Lysiefaithasmr]

I’m so interested in what happens next. This is fascinating

[@China-Clay]

Still listening, but seriously guys, your time frame, and so so much of your description is totally our story also! I was 19, he was 21. Manti Temple, it’s been a very good marriage !

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

❤️❤️❤️

[@marieugorek5917]

to those who say your father chose not to be there, Melissa-- people don't choose what they believe. I am convinced that the Lord chooses how people will or will not believe, according to the beliefs which will be best for them in the long term given what they will face in life. So it is never the "choice" of a family member to believe differently; they can choose to be honest about their belief (or lack thereof) or not. And while there are sometimes reasons to delay that confession, I have yet to hear of a situation where hiding it indefinitely is a healthy option.

[@bethanylist7648]

love the cold opens you guys have been doing! this one in particular is written beautifully

[@CarolynandherClothes]

Can’t wait to hear next week!

[@Olivias180]

This was so sweet to listen to ❤ I hope I have a love story like this one day ❤

[@susiekathryn8570]

Thank you so much you two. Can’t wait for part 3!

[@SC-tx5le]

Wonderful story.

[@eileensolberg7007]

I'm here watching and smiling as listening to your love story blossom.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

❤️❤️❤️

[@kimtylka2598]

Awesome series!!!

[@jessicahellar323]

I didn't notice at first because of the sleeves but we had the same dress! ❤️❤️ Absolutely beautiful

[@gothikgrlblack1733]

My husband and i have been married before so we were both thinking oh ill never get married again. Our first date lasted 24 hours, we said we loved each other in the first week, moved in together after two months and now we have been together 9 years and we are married! I so identify with it getting ever more difficult to be apart!

[@bkelleym]

Wonderful story- you’re so easy to listen to… thank you 😊 ❤😊❤

[@mckait]

you two are lovely

[@sonyak9879]

Beautiful couple❤ SIMPLE fix if your father is alive,,, renew your vows get married again let dad walk you down the isle❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@nathaliag7101]

Your love, admiration and respect for each other is such an inspiration!🤍 thank you for sharing! I loved sam’s thoughts of the feelings of love being interpreted as a higher power.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

❤️❤️❤️

[@tonicarter5444]

So, when did u do rings? Or is that also private, behind the scene? I loved hearing your story, makes me remember my own story when i was 20, and met my husband at a church event. We fell in live quickly, and eloped in 7 1/2 weeks. ( my family was upset we did that, so we had a wedding 4 wks later, so everyone could attend.) We had 2 beautiful daughters, but sadly we were divorced after 18 yrs. We didn't work on things like we could've, and he left me for another. Im still single. Looks like you two have a great relationship and should go the distance! 😊

[@Beginnerreadsthebible]

So sweet ❤❤❤ thank you for sharing your love story ❤️

[@dragonflyinn2005]

I can’t wait to hear next week’s episode.