The America's Favorite Couple competition brings together sweethearts from every walk of life in a heartwarming showdown of love, laughter, and connection—all while supporting the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and Oceana. Denison couple, Michelle and John Apodaca, shared their love story and made it all the way into the semi-finals in this national contest. We celebrate their journey and commitment to love.
1. Could you bring us back to the beginning? How did you meet?
We technically met in high school. I moved back to China Spring, TX, my 10th-grade year, and John was graduating that year. Our paths had crossed several times prior to us actually meeting. His family almost purchased the home we sold when we moved to Plano. They ended up in a home my father built just up the road. I knew John’s best friend in High School from the time I was around 5 years old. John’s first memory of me was riding the school bus and having a conversation with my best friend about me. She told him I was coming to visit her, and he remembered hearing my name before when I came back to the high school about four years after that. We never really formally met in school because I arrived just shy of the end of the school year when he was graduating. He was a drummer in a local band, and about a year later, a good friend of mine told me she thought John was “the perfect guy for me,” so I started going to watch him perform. It still took a while for us to start dating because one or both of us would be dating someone else. But as fate would have it, we went on a first date and were inseparable after that!
2. What’s your favorite date night activity?
We love to try new restaurants. Another favorite is “John and Michelle time,” where we just get in the car and go on an adventure to see where it takes us.
3. What do you love best about living in the Texoma area? We absolutely love living in our historic home near downtown Denison. We have walking access to amazing shops, antique stores, restaurants, and fun events. It’s a lifestyle we always hoped for.
4. What’s the best piece of marriage advice you’ve ever received?
To make time for each other and the family. Use the PTO. Take the trip. Making memories together is so important. Also, don’t stay mad at each other. Communication and forgiveness are essential in a marriage.
5. What’s one small thing your partner does that makes you feel loved?
As for me (Michelle), he always kisses me good morning, good night or goodbye. And he always tells me how much he loves me. John says, “You always walk me to the door in the morning for an encouraging word, hug, and kiss. Always."
6. What are you looking forward to in the future?
Grandchildren! We absolutely cannot wait.