From a first meeting at the airport to a flower field proposal, Sarah Jade “SJ” Bleau and Carew Ellington share an engagement story rooted in faith, patience and a romance that feels beautifully timeless.
The story
Our love story began in a way that could only be described as God orchestrated. The very first time we met in person was at the airport, and although we had never known each other before, SJ fell into my arms weeping. That moment of raw vulnerability set the tone for everything that followed, creating a relationship anchored in safety, honesty and God’s presence. Just two days later, she asked me to baptise her. That sacred act marked not only a fresh beginning for her but also laid the foundation of the love we would soon step into together.
When I confessed my feelings, I made it clear that I only wanted to move forward if it was God’s will. We chose to fast and pray in silence for a full day, committing not to speak until we both heard from Him. That evening, when we reunited, we had both been given the same scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6). This verse became the anchor of our relationship and later I had it engraved inside her engagement ring.
Patience was written into our story from the beginning. SJ spent six months overseas on missions while I waited faithfully at home. We built our relationship long distance, speaking every day, growing in faith and love far from the spotlight of social media. When the time came to propose, I had already been preparing a home for us in faith long before she even knew my intentions. In a flower field, I led her into one of the most sacred moments of our lives. Before asking her to marry me, I invited her to take communion with me, sealing our covenant before God first. Then I knelt, asked for her hand, and she said yes. From that first embrace at the airport to baptism, to fasting and shared scripture, to six months apart, to communion before our proposal, every milestone has been marked by surrender and by God’s hand. Our story is more than romance, it is a living testimony of patience, covenant and the faithfulness of God to write love stories far greater than we could ever imagine.
Dropping hints
The weekend before, we travelled to SJ’s hometown of Montreal where I asked her parents for their blessing. We prayed together for guidance on our wedding date, and both of us were led to the same day, 7 September. We actually had our wedding date planned before we were even engaged, so SJ knew that once we returned from Canada something significant was about to happen.
The proposal
SJ and I both love wildflowers and sunflowers, so I searched near my hometown and found a farm filled with both. I flew in close friends to capture the moment and set out a picnic scattered with hand stitched napkins embroidered with “The Ellingtons.” Before I proposed, we shared communion and prayed together. As the song I’ll Be Seeing You played, I asked her to marry me. We wept through the entire moment, overwhelmed by the presence of God and the love between us.
The ring
The ring is a three carat custom marquise diamond in 14 karat gold, engraved with Proverbs 3:5–6. That scripture was the one we both received when we fasted and prayed to ask God if we were meant to be together. It has anchored every part of our story, so it felt only right for it to be etched into the ring itself.
Engagement party
We have not hosted an engagement party yet, as the following week was dedicated to preparing for Carew’s sister’s wedding. Instead, we have celebrated quietly and intimately together, treasuring the sacredness of this season.
The outfit
SJ wore a white dress, a choice that felt instinctive, while Carew chose her favourite look of his, a fitted black t-shirt with tailored black slacks. Although SJ did not know the exact location of the proposal, she sensed what was coming. She got ready with intention, phone in hand to document the day, and she guessed correctly.
Wedding plans so far
The wedding will take place on 7 September 2025 at The Estate at Cherokee Dock in Nashville, Tennessee, formerly Reba McEntire’s mansion. The vision is classic luxury, timeless yet deeply personal. Remarkably, we planned it all in just two weeks and have gathered the most extraordinary team to bring it to life.
Sarah Jade, “SJ” Bleau and Carew Ellington
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