Yeah! We’ve finally finished reviewing all of the 2009 Operation: LoveStruck entries! Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for sending in such great love stories. I am completely shocked by the sheer volume of entries this year! It made our choosing much more difficult. But, as the hopeless romantic that I am, one story stands out among the crowd.
So, without further ado, I’m excited to announce that the love story of Katey Garrett and Jason Rallis has been chosen as this year’s winner! Guys, Congratulations! I can’t wait to meet with you, and photograph your wedding on October 18th! 
Call me, let’s get together!
As for their love story, here it is, for all to see…
“This is the story of the first and last time I fell in love with my best friend…
Once upon a time – when I least expected it – I met the person who divided my world into the time before I fell in love with him, and the time after. His name is Jason Rallis.
Our love story is one that only God could write, as He saw the outrageous bloopers and the behind-the-scene mishaps. My first memory of Jason dates back to elementary school when we sang and danced in city productions.
Jason was the popular kid who distanced himself from all of the girls (and their cooties) – going as far as breaking the principal’s daughter’s arm, just to escape a kiss. I was the pale, four-eyed-mess who was outspoken and boy crazy. Written in my diary was an ongoing list of potential boyfriends, and Jason did not make the cut. He was a sweaty, chubby boy who made fun of me – not the qualities I was looking for.
Music took center stage in our lives and band became our common denominator. Jason’s mother worked with my family and through their connection, I began taking music lessons from his grandfather. I also enjoyed swimming and oddly enough, Jason’s sister was my Exeter Eel’s instructor. Trying to avoid Jason made little difference – it seemed that our worlds were meant to collide.
Despite the names that Jason called me (and the rocks he threw at me), our friendship carried us through junior high and into high school, where we drummed together in the Monarch Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Winter Percussion and Jazz Band. We bonded over chicken sandwiches at Burger King and fought over condiments – we have always shared an unnatural love for ketchup.
We were the very best of friends…and then he graduated. Distracted by our big plans with other people, we decided that if our friendship was meant to be, it would find a way of working itself out…and it did.
It was my first day of college and sitting directly behind me, throwing paper at my head, was Jason. Late-night meals at Denny’s and cruising in the Geek Squad Beetle reconciled our friendship. We made plans to conquer the world – one road trip at a time – but tragedy struck in my life and our dreams were put on hold yet again.
Time passed and on Christmas Eve of 2005, I found myself surrounded by candles. Across the table of homemade food sat my childhood friend – my Jason. I had never seen Jason clean up so well. He was buttoned-down, zipped-up and smelling better than ever.
Jason shared with me his love for the Lord and explained that our friendship would not be able to grow until I knew that same love. It was three in the morning when I accepted the greatest gift of all – Christ.
On Christmas Day, Jason and I entered into a courtship. I was baptized soon after and we began serving together in ministry – in Exeter, Mexico, Thailand and beyond. Now, we both work in churches. Jason is a Staff Assistant and Praise Band Drummer and I am a Children’s Director. Serving together is super fun and super messy but I learn from Jason everyday and aspire to be as extraordinary as he is.
Jason is my best friend, my mentor and my playmate. He has shown me how exciting the world can be when you explore it with the one you love. I laugh everyday. Throughout the years, we have learned that every day is a good day – some are better than others.
Looking back on the time before I found this love, I now realize how important the small things in life really are. As a result, we’ve chosen this quote for our wedding’s theme: Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize they were big things.
Jason has my heart and there are a thousand little reasons why, but at the core of it, I think that God really knew what He was doing when He brought us together. We are beautiful, strong, confident, silly cheeseballs – the happiest we’ve ever been.
And that is the story of the first and last time I fell head-over-heels in love with my best friend. The very best is yet to come…”
