The King's Daughter and the Poet

Q First off, do you mind telling our audience who you are and why Jason and Danielle asked you to talk with us about their story?

CURDIE Absolutely. I am the son of Peter, a miner from a land born of the imagination of George MacDonald. I was featured in some of his children's stories, like The Princess and the Goblin, and The Princess and Curdie. I first met Jason and Danielle while I was confined to a bookshelf on the evening they got engaged. I was so excited about the love I saw in them that I nearly jumped off the shelf into their hands. Why am I telling you their story? Danielle and Jason have many dear friends and I think they just wanted to include as many as possible in their wedding, so I guess this is my contribution.

Q Tell us how Jason and Danielle met.

CURDIE Well, as I understand it, Jason and Danielle were introduced by Neil and Erin Scharnick, who were mutual friends (in God's infinite wisdom--wink, wink). Having talked with Neil before, I know he was simply wanting to make a connection between two excellent friends who would surely enjoy being friends themselves. Neil and Erin delight in sharing of themselves with their many friends, so all of this felt very natural--but obviously God was up to something more.

After Erin (then York, now Burgoyne) performed at the Florentine Opera Company in Milwaukee, Jason, Danielle, Neil and Erin Scharnick spent time at the original Alterra coffee house on Prospect. Jason told me that he recalls being impressed with Danielle's sincere faith and the gold ring she wore on her finger as a symbol of her devotion to Christ and her willingness to wait for His best, contenting herself in Him alone. Jason had made a personal vow before God that he would spend at least eight months focusing on his relationship to Christ, putting on hold his desire to be married. When Danielle and he met, he still had months before he would even consider pursuing a relationship. But he also recognized that Danielle was the kind of woman he hoped to marry. Danielle mentioned to me that she was not looking to get into a relationship, but was impressed with Jason's sincere attentiveness and bold faith.

A couple months later Jason and his sister Jennifer attended a performance of Zaide in which Danielle had the title role. At the show, Danielle's sister Charissa explained to Jason in great detail about her courtship with Robbie (apparently, at Danielle's coaching). This gave Jason a glimpse of the courage that would be required to win the heart and hand of this fair lady.

Q What can you tell us about their courtship?

CURDIE The more Jason prayed about furthering his friendship with Danielle, the more convinced he became that God had brought her into his life for more than mere acquaintance. Wanting to pursue this further, he talked with Danielle's father about beginning a courtship and discovered there were some impediments. Jason had accumulated significant debts owing to educational loans he had taken, particularly in pursuit of his MA at Trinity. In order to have an opportunity to court Danielle he would have to resolve those debts. With God's help Jason took on extra work to pay back the debts in only fifteen months. She was worth it.

God used this time of waiting in Danielle's life to teach her what true love means. She was amazed by the faithfulness of God's grace during this time and Jason's perseverance.

After waiting, they celebrated Green Flag Day on June 14, 2005. Their courtship began with their involvement in Acacia Theatre's production of The Hiding Place, which Danielle directed and Jason played a number of roles. His main role was keeping Danielle sane by supporting her in prayer.

They spent the next months getting to know each other, discovering likes and dislikes, communication styles (with the help of a book called Love Talk), and began to get to know each others' families.

Q Tell us about their engagement.

CURDIE Although Danielle suspected a proposal was imminent, Jason completely surprised her on February 12. They went to an antique bookstore in Evanston with his sister Jennifer and her friend Rose. After finding a rare copy of The Princess and Curdie (in which I make a prominent appearance), they sat down in the theatre section and began to read. Jason then produced a blue leather-bound blank book tied with a green ribbon. Danielle opened the book and began to read, "Walking In Love Together by Jason and Danielle Miller". With another turn of the page, she discovered that an engagement ring was cut into the center of the book. Jason moved to his knee (er, actually both of them) and asked her to marry him. Needless to say, she said 'Yes'. They had planned to have dinner at Mt. Everest, a Nepalese restaurant within walking distance, but on the way, they found an Irish restaurant called the Celtic Knot, which seemed more fitting for the evening. Jenn had to explain to the waiter why Jason and Danielle were so engrossed in each other they neglected their dinner. The evening concluded by visiting their families to celebrate.