Melinda & Jeremy Denison

Friday Feature ~ Melinda & Jeremy Denison

My husband, Russ and I met this sweet couple when Jeremy was transferred down from Reston, VA to Atlanta, GA to work together. The chemistry was instant and we spent every chance we could to get to know this wonderful couple. Melinda and I had a crazy God story in going to the Catalyst Conference together and it was during the breaks when we would go deeper with our friendship. She was newly married and was asking questions about marriage and I was learning how incredibly talented she was with playing the piano, harp, singing, painting, lettering, etc…this girl is crazy talented! Meanwhile Jeremy was working with Russ learning all he could about outside sales. The talent is not limited to just Melinda, Jeremy is the best networker I’ve met (second to my husband, of course) and is quite the visionary. Expect to see him at Pinewood Studios one day!! It’s incredible to watch how they lean on each other during tough times. They renovated a house together and are still married! haha We love how intentional this young couple is in their marriage!

How did you meet your husband?

In 2008 I spent some time in Mexico with a missionary who happened to be one of Jeremy’s elementary school teachers. After he saw me in a picture with her on Facebook he wrote me a note. The rest is history. 🙂

How did your husband propose?

Jeremy is quite the romantic. He set up a spa day for me, complete with massage, manicure pedicure, and hair salon. He showed up at the end with a dozen of my favorite flowers. When I arrived back to where I was staying, I found a new dress (that he shopped for and picked out?!) and a note that said “be ready by 5”. A limo pulled up in the driveway, and out stepped Jeremy. The limo smelled amazing with dozens of roses and trays of assorted chocolate covered strawberries. The driver took us to The Jefferson restaurant in D.C. where we enjoyed a fabulous meal. Afterwards we were dropped off at the Lincoln memorial. We walked towards a weeping willow on an island by the Constitution Gardens Pond. Jeremy had created an elaborate love story about two opposing families that were involved in much of the building of the monuments. A guy and a girl from each family fell in love and would secretly pass notes in bottles on that very pond. When I looked down, there was a bottle on the edge of the water beneath the weeping willow. In the bottle was the most beautiful handwritten love letter along with an engagement ring. Jeremy dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him.

How long have you been married?

Eight years

Can you honestly say, “I love you my husband as is, without requiring anything to change?” Do you ever waver on that?

Yes, I love him without requiring any change. He’s been the best example to me displaying unconditional love and acceptance to both my positive qualities and to my flaws. In turn, it makes me want to reciprocate that kind of unconditional love even more.

How would you describe the word, “love?”

A choice. Unconditional.

Would you say that you love each other more now than earlier in our marriage?

I didn’t think it was possible but I would say yes. We love each other more now because of time spent together and memories we’ve made, but most of all making it through the hard times together. Allowing our most difficult times we’ve experienced to draw us closer instead of separating us created a deeper love and admiration for one other.

Do you see him growing more godly as the years go on? How are you measuring that?

Yes. Jeremy has always been a strong spiritual leader in our home. What I consider one of his strongest qualities is his ability to never waver on that which is right and good. He is bold about who he is in Christ, and in a culture filled with a lot of evil, he shines even brighter because of that boldness. He’s a man of integrity and I deeply appreciate his eternal focus and pursuit of God.

What was one thing that surprised you after you were married?

How little he had in his bank account. (Insert look of horror as I went online for the first time to pay bills…) We had discussed finances pre marriage, and he knew what I would be comfortable with in terms of getting married as he would be the main provider. What I didn’t know, was that Jeremy had reached that certain amount, but in his normal creative and visionary fashion, spent most of it all on a ring, honeymoon, apartment, and various creative ideas. He absolutely did not care what his bank account looked like as long as life was being enjoyed and lived to the fullest. Thankfully over the years his care-free visionary side balanced out with a responsible and ambitious financial side. It makes quite a great match.

What are you both really excited about?

We’re excited that we are now in a place in life where we can execute creative ideas that we’ve been dreaming up for the past few years. We are both creatives, and not only having our dreams align but also the resources and time to do so makes us really excited for the things ahead.

What’s one piece of advice you would share with someone before getting married?

Communicate well and share the same values. Forgive quickly.

Has your husband helped you become more mature spiritually? In what ways?

Yes. In many ways he has. One area in particular, is I struggle with perfection and am fearful of what people may think. Jeremy has continually encouraged and pushed me to overcome these fears. His consistent support has helped me build confidence. (2 Timothy 1:7).

What do you most wish you both could do in the future to make an impact on our world for Christ?

To build a platform of influence that reflects Christ, via our creative talents and passions.

What do you see in the character of Christ that you most wish were in you as well?

The way He spoke to people. Christ was one with the Father at all times and was able to speak with great wisdom in both mercy and truth.

Do you feel that he respects you? How could he show that better?

Absolutely. The amount of security it brings me knowing he will never purposely put me down or joke at my expense makes me feel very respected. He takes great effort to put me first before family, friends and work. When we were first married we agreed that we would never have sarcasm in our marriage to prevent from misinterpreted joking leading to hurt feelings. Jeremy had seen sarcasm rip apart a family members marriage and wanted to avoid that in ours. His goal has always been to treat me like Christ treats the church, with my best interest at heart. This has created a habit where we’re always watching out for each other. It creates a harmonious cycle of unselfish living.

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