Season 11's "American Idol" finalist Colton Dixon and his new wife recently opened up about their decision to remain pure until marriage, revealing that they hope to "honor God" in all aspects of their relationship.
After three years of dating, Dixon, 24, proposed to Annie Coggeshall, 27, at Disney World in Florida last September, and the two were married in a romantic Disney-themed ceremony in Nashville in January.
Speaking to People Magazine, the Christian singer revealed that he and Annie chose to abstain from sexual activity until after marriage because of their Biblical worldview.
"It was not easy!" he told the news outlet. "But I believe sex was designed for marriage and I knew it would be more meaningful to wait. That was something I grew up thinking and feeling, and I believe the Bible backs it up as well."
Added Annie, "It wasn't because someone was telling me this is what you should do. Deep down in my heart it felt like it was the right thing. And we're really glad we did. We know God's hand is on our marriage."
The young couple was likely referring to Hebrews 13:4, where the Apostle Paul writes, "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous."
The newlyweds told People that arriving at the Polynesian resort where they stayed for their honeymoon was all the more exciting -- because they were able to sleep next to each other.
"It was kind of strange: we checked into the room and realized, 'We actually get to go to sleep side by side! This is so cool!'" Dixon said. "Anywhere we've traveled before, we've always gotten two hotel rooms. We wanted to remain pure in that area."
He added, "There were a lot of moments of - 'Oh, you're not going back to your room. That means we're married!' It made it really special for us."
Dixon shot to fame in 2012 after he made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show American Idol.
The singer, who often speaks publicly about his Christian faith, revealed that the show challenged his faith - and forced him to rely on God in a way he never had before.
"I remember being on 'American Idol' and feeling so disconnected and so alone," he told Fox News last year.
"I hadn't talked to my family or my friends in what seemed like weeks because you're so busy doing other things and just kind of had to had that reassuring moment, like okay, I know God's still in this. [I] just needed to know I was doing the right thing, and after being encouraged and reassured of that, I was good to go."
At the time, the singer said he hoped his struggle on "Idol" would inspire fans going through similar difficulties.
"I think a lot of us struggle with doubt or whatever and it's in those moments that our faith is tested," he said. "You can either grow in your faith or you can take a step backwards, and I just want to encourage people to trust that He's right there."
