Story perspectives

From Gaming to Love: Couple's Virtual Wedding Journey

1/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

In 2017, Welsh cheesemaker Lewis Relfe and Ameila Henderson from Virginia formed an online romance while playing the Friday the 13th video game.
Despite a 3,500-mile distance and the Covid pandemic, they married virtually.
Relfe proposed on Aberystwyth Pier, dressed as the game's character Jason Voorhees.
They now live in Gwynedd with their daughter Evelyn, after visits including a six-month stay in Wales.

History

Historical Context

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced couples to adapt to virtual relationships, echoing the social disruptions caused by the 1918 Spanish Flu. With over 1.5 million deaths reported by the World Health Organization, lockdowns limited gatherings, prompting innovative connections through online platforms. This shift highlights the growing significance of technology in maintaining relationships during crises, reshaping how people connect across distances.

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Story summary

In 2017, Welsh cheesemaker Lewis Relfe and Ameila Henderson from Virginia formed an online romance while playing the Friday the 13th video game.
Despite a 3,500-mile distance and the Covid pandemic, they married virtually.
Relfe proposed on Aberystwyth Pier, dressed as the game's character Jason Voorhees.
They now live in Gwynedd with their daughter Evelyn, after visits including a six-month stay in Wales.

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