Keeping her last name wasn’t the main reason Kelli decided to marry John (they already shared the name Ellis), but it was certainly a nice bonus in a relationship with an already amazing man. Kelli first saw John on one of the fitness guru’s commercials when she was wanting to get in shape for a TV appearance. Kelli knew she had to meet John, so she decided to join his gym and attend one of his classes. He wasn’t there the day she went, but in his typical, enthusiastic style, John called her the same day and they met for lunch…a “lunch” that lasted four hours. Not a bad first “date” if you ask me.

They realized their parents had gone to the same high school and they grew up only an hour away from each other. They’re also both left-handed and both had former dreams of becoming a geologist. The instant connection and its refusal to fade over time is why Kelli calls John her soul mate. After dating for two years, they got married, and their love and appreciation for each other has only grown since then. Kelli loves John’s affection, generosity, and that his life is dedicated to healing and sharing. He wants everyone to succeed and be happy.

Their piece incorporates crushed pearl and crushed red coral and sand from Joshua Tree National Park (a beautiful area near the place where I met Kelli and John). John’s words from The Compass, “share your wisdom” and Kelli’s feelings, “I love when he holds my hand” are embedded in the composition to mirror the purpose and devotion in their life together.