Love knows no bounds, and for one couple, it transcended a staggering 3,500 miles—all thanks to a horror video game. But here's where it gets even more fascinating: their journey didn’t just survive the distance; it also weathered the storm of a global pandemic, culminating in a virtual wedding. This is the extraordinary tale of Lewis Relfe, a Welsh cheesemaker, and Ameila Henderson, from Virginia, USA, whose paths crossed in the most unexpected way—while playing Friday the 13th in 2017.
Their story begins in the digital realm, where Lewis and Ameila found themselves teamed up in the game, attempting to escape the notorious killer Jason Voorhees. And this is the part most people miss: in a world often labeled as 'male-dominated,' their chance encounter defied stereotypes. Lewis, intrigued by Ameila’s British accent, invited her to a private voice chat—a request she accidentally accepted. Little did they know, this mishap would spark a connection that would change their lives forever.
From virtual teammates to close friends, their bond grew stronger despite the Atlantic Ocean between them. Ameila made several trips to Wales, including a six-month visit that served as a relationship litmus test. Lewis recalls, 'If we could still stand each other after that, we knew it would work.' And stand each other they did—Lewis proposed on Aberystwyth Pier during Halloween, dressed as Jason Voorhees himself, ring in hand. Talk about a memorable proposal!
Their wedding, however, took an unconventional turn. With the Covid pandemic raging, they tied the knot virtually on New Year’s Day 2021. Lewis jokes, 'At least it wasn’t as expensive as a proper ceremony,' highlighting the silver lining of their unique nuptials. After six years apart, Ameila finally moved to Wales in 2023, settling in Caernarfon, where Lewis works as an assistant cheesemaker.
Ameila has embraced her new life, finding comfort in the familiar farmland and hills of Caernarfon, which remind her of home. Yet, she’s also relishing the novelty of living just 20 minutes from a beach—a stark contrast to her previous six-hour distance. She’s even diving into Wales’ rich history, exploring medieval castles and landmarks, a passion she’s always cherished.
Fast forward to today, and the couple’s lives have taken another unexpected turn. With the arrival of their daughter, Evelyn, in April last year, their gaming days have been put on hold. Here’s the irony: the very thing that brought them together—video games—has taken a backseat to parenthood. Lewis admits, 'We’re a lot more busy now with the little one. Usually, one of us is gaming while the other distracts her.'
Their journey raises a thought-provoking question: In an era where virtual connections are increasingly common, could online gaming become the new norm for finding love? A recent Virgin Media study found that 51% of Brits would prefer meeting a romantic partner through online gaming rather than dating apps. Lewis and Ameila’s story certainly makes a compelling case.
As they navigate parenthood, Lewis reflects on their long-distance past, admitting it wasn’t easy. Yet, their shared love of gaming played a pivotal role in keeping their relationship strong. 'We played so many games together during our time apart,' he says. 'I think that really helped us.'
Now, as they build a life together in Gwynedd, their story serves as a testament to the power of connection—whether it’s through a horror game, a virtual wedding, or the everyday joys and challenges of parenthood. What do you think? Could you see yourself finding love in the digital world, or is this just a one-in-a-million story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
