Katelyn Umholtz | The Valdosta Daily TimesMitchell and Katrina Helms were both homeless and using LAMP services when they met and fell in love.

VALDOSTA — Love is all around.

Sometimes, it comes when you’re not even looking.

For Mitchell and Katrina Helms, it found them at a homeless shelter.

The newlyweds were married Saturday right on the front lawn of Lowndes Associated Ministries to People where they met two months earlier.

It was a traditional ceremony with family, friends and LAMP staff gathered to celebrate their love, followed by a reception party with donated food, drinks and even a DJ.

“This is the very first wedding we have held at LAMP,” said Feleica Harrington, LAMP executive director. “They found love at LAMP, so what other place to have their wedding ceremony than on the front yard.”

Mitchell and Katrina were each seeking assistance and staying at the shelter when they first locked eyes.

It was her New Jersey accent and sweet personality and his sense of humor that brought the two together.

“I found the right girl to be with,” Mitchell said.

A month later — on Valentine’s Day, nonetheless — he got down on one knee and asked Katrina to marry him.

Katrina said she never thought she would find love in a homeless shelter, let alone find her future husband.

“You never know where you’re going to meet the person you truly love,” Katrina said. “Even if it’s a homeless shelter, don’t be afraid to look.”

After she said yes, he went to LAMP first and asked if they could have their wedding here.

Harrington, who got the opportunity to watch their love story unfold, said yes, and the LAMP staff turned into wedding planners.

“I would come to work and always see them together hand-in-hand, and they were always so happy,” Harrington said. “It was such a joy to watch love blossom, especially in a place where people feel hopeless. They found love in a broken place.”

Harrington said the community and LAMP staff stepped up to the plate to provide food and decorations for the wedding.

Because of that, the Helms celebrated their love with typical wedding touches — they cut a cake together, crossed arms with glasses of non-alcoholic sparkling cider and danced to “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.

After their ceremony, they went home to their new house. Harrington said LAMP was able to help them find permanent housing outside of the shelter, so the Helms are one of their success stories.

“Our goal is that by the time they leave, they are happier and more fulfilled individuals than when they came in here,” Harrington said. “It’s only fitting that someone would find love in a place like this because you are surrounded by so many people that are rooting for you.”

Katelyn Umholtz is a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256.