TJ and Celina have been married for 19 years. Their story began with friendship; they spent eight years getting to know each other as friends before eventually beginning to date. They were married at St. Matthew’s, where all three of their children were also baptized.

​

Faith has been an important part of their relationship from the very beginning. Even before they became a couple, TJ and Celina were actively involved in their church communities and, throughout their marriage, served together especially in the music ministry. As their family grew, they eventually stepped back from their ministry involvement to focus on what they came to see as their first and most important ministry: raising their children.

​

Today, TJ and Celina continue to grow in their faith and in their marriage as they navigate the different seasons of family life. TJ is managing renal failure, while Celina works as a library technician. Like many couples, they have experienced seasons of challenge and have learned that marriage requires intentional effort, patience, and making time for one another.

​

One of the things that has made a lasting difference in their marriage is something very simple: coffee dates. They love going out for coffee together, and those times have become an important way for them to reconnect, talk, laugh, and simply enjoy each other’s company. In many ways, their coffee dates have helped save their marriage by reminding them to prioritize their relationship amidst the demands of family and everyday life.

​

And, of course, they really do love coffee! Their current favourite is Vietnamese coffee made with Robusta beans from Vietnam.

​

After 19 years of marriage, TJ and Celina are grateful for the life they have built together and for the ways God has carried them through both joyful and difficult seasons. They hope to share what they have learned along the way and encourage other couples to keep choosing each other, making their marriage a priority, and keeping God at the centre of their relationship.