Our Story
James and Chelsea met on October 30, 2010 when Chelsea's roommate Marti had her boyfriend (now husband) Collin invite a few friends to go with them to a Halloween party. James was dressed in an old '80s vest and super short shorts with neon orange sunglasses that said "life's a beach" on them. Chelsea's costume was the Goddess of Summer. They didn't really talk to each other at all that night...
The next day, October 31st, Chelsea and her roommates threw a Halloween Dessert Party at their apartment where over 100 people showed up. Chelsea noticed James when he started washing the dishes for them because they "baked all the goodies" and he didn't want them to have to clean up too. How sweet! They talked for a little while but did not have a romantic interest in each other. They became good friends quickly, flirting all the while, then went on a date and the rest is history! Actually, there is more to it than that and it is a very interesting story~if you want to know more, just ask them and they might tell you!
James proposed to Chelsea on 2-11-2011. Chelsea was not expecting it at all, because she thought he would propose after Valentine's Day, so of course it was a complete surprise. James told her that he was on campus studying when in reality he was setting up the proposal scene. They were getting ready to go to The Sleeping Beauty Ballet in Salt Lake City, and James told Chelsea that before they went they needed to stop by his family's house in Orem so that his mom could take pictures of them. Chelsea thought that was a little unusual but didn't think anything of it. When they pulled up to the house, James' mom was leaving and pulled up to his car and said, "See ya!" James assured me that his brother would just take the pictures of us and then we could leave and go to the Italian restaurant. As he opens up the door he says to her, "Remember how I said I was on campus studying? Well I lied, I was doing this," and there was a whole candlelight dinner set up, Chelsea's very first candlelit dinner. The place was decorated with rose petals, a dozen long stemmed pink roses, and white candles. James had made Chelsea's favorite dish from Chili's from scratch~Cajun Chicken Pasta. Yumm! Of course it was delicious, followed by brownies and ice cream. The brownies were shaped into cute little hearts. After dinner, James asked Chelsea to dance in the kitchen, because it's something they randomly did before and loved it. They danced for two songs when Chelsea suggested they just relax and cuddle on the couch. James talked to Chelsea about being together forever and how much he loves her and then he told her to "Come here," and stood up to hug her. He asked, "Do you want to be with me forever?" Chelsea said, "Yes of course I do" and he said, "Then I just have one question to ask," and he got down on one knee. He opened the Sierra West box and there it was, the most gorgeous ring Chelsea had ever seen. He said, "Will you marry me?" and Chelsea immediately said yes. The couple embraced, and kissed, and tears were wiped away and then James said, "Can I put this ring on your finger now?" After the proposal, James and Chelsea attended The Sleeping Beauty Ballet in Salt Lake. Chelsea says, "It was the most magical night. I could not have asked for a more perfect proposal. James is so wonderful. I am so happy to spend eternity with my best friend and the love of my life."
Born in Utah but raised in Massachusetts and Texas, Chelsea is a happy, bubbly 20-something-year-old girl who loves laughter and life. She is the oldest daughter of Doug and Shana Fakkel. Chelsea loves spending time with her family including her siblings Peter, Chandler, and Piper. After graduating from McKinney North High School Chelsea attended Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Collin College, Utah Valley University, and Glendale Community College. She has an Associate of Fine Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Marriage & Family Studies. Chelsea is passionate about marriage, family, dancing, singing, reading, traveling, movies, and going on dates with James. She and James lived in Arizona and are currently living in Rhode Island.
James is a hardworking, happy, fun-loving, 30-something-year-old from Orem, Utah. He has also lived in California and Korea for a little while. He served a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Busan/Pusan, Korea and loved it. The second oldest of eight children, James loves his family and his parents, Todd and Brenda Chapman. His siblings are Holly married to Mike, Jason married to Natalie, Spencer, Steven married to Kate, Danielle, Preston, and Marissa. After graduating from Timanogos High School James attended Southern Utah University and Brigham Young University. He graduated in April 2011 with his Bachelors Degree in Biology and Exercise Science with a minor in Korean. James graduated Sigma Sigma Phi of Midwestern University of Osteopathic Medicine (medical school) in Glendale, Arizona. He is currently completing a 4 year Emergency Medicine Residency in Rhode Island. He enjoys the outdoors, reading, playing soccer, and spending time with Chelsea.
Chelsea and James were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on June 20, 2011. You can watch their wedding video here:
Engagement, Bridal, & Wedding Photos by Brandon Burk Photography: http://brandonburkphotography.com/
