Ted and Paula Mangini: A Journey of Faith and Friendship

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Ted and Paula Mangini: A Journey of Faith and Friendship

Married August 23, 1983

Every love story has its own rhythm — moments of pursuit, patience, and divine timing. For Ted Mangini and Paula Moody, their journey to marriage was not one of instant attraction or whirlwind romance, but of steadfast friendship, unwavering faith, and the gentle unfolding of God’s plan.

A Woman with a Dream

Paula was a woman with a clear vision for her life. Serving proudly in the Navy, she loved the discipline, camaraderie, and purpose it provided. Yet, her heart longed for something more — a family. One thing was certain: she did not want to marry a military man. With that conviction, she made the difficult decision to leave the Navy and set off on a journey across the country in search of the life she dreamed of building.

Starting on the West Coast, Paula promised herself she would stop wherever she landed in six months. Her first stop was Idaho, to visit her mother’s family — aunts, uncles, cousins, and her beloved grandmother. Six months later, she was still there. Idaho had quietly become home.

Meeting Betty — and Hearing About Ted

During her time in Idaho, Paula met a woman who would change her life: Ted’s mother, Betty. They quickly became inseparable, spending nearly every lunch hour together. In one of their early conversations, Betty suggested that Paula meet her son, Ted.

“You’re a lovely lady whom I respect a lot,” Paula replied, “but I’ll do my own looking, thank you very much.”

Even when her cousins — who also knew Ted — suggested they meet, Paula was firm in her resolve. But fate had other plans.

First Impressions

Paula first saw Ted at a concert where he accompanied his sister, who was raising funds for a world tour with the PTL Club. Her immediate impression was less than favorable: arrogant, self-centered, and absolutely not husband material.

Over the next several months, they crossed paths occasionally at Betty’s house when Ted came to town from Twin Falls, Idaho. Their mutual reaction was one of quiet irritation — each felt the other was intruding on their time with Betty.

A Cry in the Night

That Christmas, Paula took her grandmother back to Indiana to visit her parents. One night, lying on a hide-a-bed in the dark, loneliness overtook her. She cried out to God, “I don’t want to live the rest of my life alone.”

To her surprise, she heard God answer: “Have you considered my son, Ted Mangini?”

Paula’s response was immediate and emphatic — “No!”

But as she prayed, God reminded her of all the qualities she desired in a husband — and one by one, they matched Ted. Forty-five minutes later, her heart had changed. And it has never changed back.

Confiding in Betty

Upon returning to Idaho, Paula went straight to Betty’s house. “Ted is in my head,” she confessed. “I can’t get him out.”

Betty smiled and encouraged her, “Ted likes strong, feminine women. But don’t get discouraged — and maybe start wearing a little makeup.”

Strike One, Two… and Common Ground

That Saturday, Paula visited the secondhand furniture store The Moth Shop, owned by his parents where Ted worked.  She started a conversation about the beauty of Idaho snow.

“I hate snow,” Ted replied. “I hate cold, and I don’t even like anyone who likes snow and cold.”

Strike one.

Paula shifted to talking about her Navy days.

“If Nixon hadn’t ended the draft,” Ted said, “I’d have gone to Canada.”

Strike two.

Eager to change the subject, Paula began talking about the miracles she had witnessed as a child — and to her delight, Ted began to connect. He, too, had seen signs and wonders growing up. Spirit centric family gatherings were common. Finally, they had found common ground.

An Honest Beginning

Encouraged by his mother, Ted invited Paula to dinner. He cooked creamy chicken breast, pilaf, and green beans. During the meal, Paula was clear about her intentions: she wanted marriage and was considering him as a potential husband.

Ted didn’t hesitate. “I’m not looking to ever get married,” he said. “And if I were, it wouldn’t be to you.”

Since marriage was off the table at that point - they agreed to become friends.

Three Years of Friendship and Ministry

Over the next three years, Ted and Paula became nearly inseparable. They led children’s ministry together, co-hosted Bible studies for teenage boys, and even started a church.

Ted was gifted a small chapel built by a departing airman — pews handcrafted from wood, a labor of faith.

Their friendship grew deeper through long theological discussions, morning coffee shared over the $10,000 Pyramid, and constant spiritual inquiries. They attended family gatherings together, always as each other’s “plus one.” Their bond was strong, yet platonic — they never even held hands.

Paula often reminded Ted she wanted to marry. Ted remained resolute: he did not. But love has a way of reshaping hearts.

God’s Timing

As years passed, Paula’s longing for marriage weighed on her. One Sunday night, she surrendered it all to God. “Jesus, I give up. You meet my needs however You see fit — become my husband, send me another, or change Ted’s heart.”

Three days later, everything changed.

The Ultimatum

That Wednesday, after a sleepless night, Paula told Ted she couldn’t continue their friendship as it was. “Unless you marry me, there’s nothing left to say.”

Ted was stunned. After she left, he went to his mother. “Do you think I should marry Paula?” he asked. Without hesitation, Betty removed a ring from her finger — one she had designed using diamonds her father had given her mother on their wedding day — and placed it in his hand. “Do what you need to do.”

Ted also spoke to his foster son, Tim. “What do you think about Paula and me getting married?”

Tim grinned. “It’s about time.”

The Proposal

Ted found Paula at her office. The moment he walked in, the staff vanished, sensing the gravity of the moment.

“I don’t love you,” Ted began, “and the thought of sex with my best friend sickens me. But I can’t see my future without you. I believe it’s God’s will that we marry.”

He took out the ring and added, “If you marry me, this will be the day I love you the least.”

I

t took Paula just 45 seconds to say yes. They shared their first, awkward kiss — and began planning a wedding that would take place just two months later.

A Wedding Blessed by Heaven

In three days, the couple had chosen the date (August 23, 1983), bridal party, flowers, tuxedos, invitations, and even the china pattern they still use today. Ted designed Paula’s wedding gown himself, which her sister sewed in Indiana.

On their wedding day, Paula walked down the aisle to Chariots of Fire. Their ceremony took place under a “huppah” — a symbolic tent inviting God to dwell in their home. They also renewed the vows of 12 married couples before leaving the altar.

That same day, a 20-year-old prophecy by Bob Jones came true: a three-year drought was to end on August 23, 1983. As Ted and Paula exited the chapel, the skies opened, and rain poured down. The drought was broken. The reception lost power from the storm, but the timing was perfect — the food was warm, the guests were joyful, and heaven had clearly smiled on their union.