The “Together in Christ” conference formed couples who will be together for eternity.
Over the weekend, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held the Utah Area Young Single Adult conference with the theme “Together in Christ.” The three-day event included spiritual growth classes, a live concert, and other games and events. Many young adults who attended the conference are hoping not just to be together for the long weekend, but for eternity.
The speed dating event proved to be the most successful yet, with thousands of young adults participating. For many of the participants, the experience was life-changing.
“Over this past weekend, Daxton, my fiancé, has really just become my best friend. No one knows me like he got to know me in those three minutes,” the 19-year-old Kehzlynn Baker enthusiastically expressed. She was proposed to outside the Salt Lake Temple shortly after Sunday’s devotional.
Her new fiancé, Daxton, smiled at her side during the interview. “She was the first girl I’ve met since I got back from my mission two weeks ago,” he commented. “Don’t worry, we’re still taking things slow! In fact, we’re waiting for marriage to have our first kiss. It’s going to be a long month.”
The happy couple plans to be married in the Provo City Center Temple at the end of this month. They aren’t the only couple that started at the YSA conference. According to surveys conducted post-conference, over 100 engagements took place over the past weekend. Many survey participants attributed this to the speed dating event, while a few exceptions said the proposal occurred during Andy Grammar’s performance of “Honey, I’m good.”
Interviews with the Utah Area Presidency showed that they were thrilled with the outcome of the conference. Brian McCune stated, “This generation is truly chosen and prepared for this time. While their parents needed 1–3 months to get to know each other before getting engaged, this generation only needs mere seconds. We know the future of the church is in good hands.”
In light of all of these recent engagements, temples will be opening on Monday mornings to accommodate the demand for live sealings. Conference organizers announced that next year, the speed dating event will be expanded, including engagement ring giveaways sponsored by Shane Co.