Forever & Ever, Amen
Paul and I met in high school and I always thought he was the cutest thing ever! However, I also told myself that we would probably never date because he was just the typical "super cute high school football player." One night we went to a haunted house with a group of friends were we had our first official introduction. I left that night thinking he was hilarious, but there was nothing more to it! A few years went by until our paths crossed again at Harding. He was timid at first so he would only interact with me via social media (wimp) and when he finally built up the courage to ask me out, I was so nervous I kept bailing on him! It really is amazing that he continued to pursue me after all the times I cancelled our first date.
When I finally built up the courage to go out with him (I was also a wimp) we hit it off immediately. After that, we spent every second together until it was time for him to return to school. Poor Paul didn't realize at the time that I was planning on transferring to Harding but still had a year at community college. He really fell hard for me though and decided to ask me to be his girlfriend despite the distance between us!
After many postponed first dates, two states, and a year and a half of long distance later, we are getting married! I am so thankful for my not so typical but still super cute football player (who is now a coach!) We can't wait to finally be Mr. and Mrs. Paul Smith!
Tidbits
How did you first meet?
We first met at a Haunted House. We were there with a big group of people and honestly didn't really talk to one another that night.
How did he propose?
Paul had been messing with me for months by the time the proposal came around. I obviously wanted it to happen, so I would always try to get things out of him (with no such luck) that would help me figure out the timeline. On a Wednesday afternoon of Thanksgiving break, I remember laying on my couch all cozy in my PJs. My mom came in and was surprised that I wasn't with Paul. So nonchalantly she asked if I had plans with him that night. My response, "no. I don't really feel like hanging out today so I think I'm just going to stay in."
Of course, I had no idea that he was planning on proposing that night! About twenty minutes after that conversation took place, Paul texted me telling me that he wanted to go on a date. I was pretty reluctant at first because I had my mind set on a lazy day, but somehow he convinced me.
That night he picked me up in his mom's super rad convertible. This had happened a few times before when his truck (RIP) would act up, so I didn't think anything of it. We went into Fort Worth and ate at our favorite date night spot (UNO's Pizzaria in Sundance Square). I was having a grand old time, but began to notice how uptight he was over the smallest things - like the waiter not refilling my water glass or the pizza "taking too long" to come out. But, I figured he was just in a funk that night so I went on laughing and enjoying the evening. During dinner, his dad called him and asked if we could "swing by the church" and grab something that his mom had accidentally left. Again - oblivion - it was a Wednesday night in my defense!
One of my favorite parts of the entire night was the drive to the church. Adele's hit single "hello" came on the radio and we JAMMED harder than we ever had before. It was seriously some of the best car singing I had ever experienced. We got to the church and it was all dark and locked up tight. Luckily, being in his mom's car, we had the church key (clever thinking, Paul). When we entered the building, I, in typical fashion, had to go the bathroom. So while I was doing that he ran into the auditorium to make sure everything was ready to go. Our family who were watching from behind the doors in the foyer were confused as to where I was, however.
Paul met me outside and took my hand and started saying some really sweet things as he led me towards the auditorium. At that moment, I realized what was happening and all I could say was, "I KNEW IT!" when in reality, I had NO idea but I like to outsmart him. As he lead me in, there was music playing, and candles lining the stage. He sat me down and read me my very own children's book that he wrote! Being an education major, that was the best gift he could have ever gotten me. The book was our entire love story and was incredibly sweet and hilarious. As he approached the last page, he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I don't remember if I said yes or if I just nodded my head up and down as fast as I could.
Once I answered him, he handed me a beautiful white bible that had my new last name engraved on it. Then our family (and my best friend who drove down from Abilene!) came rushing in. It was so surreal and the most perfect moment. After the congratulations and pictures had taken place, we went into the foyer where his dad so kindly had my favorite dessert (oreo pudding) waiting for everyone.
It was a beautiful night and one that I will FOREVER cherish! I'm marrying a good one!
Who's going to take out the trash?
Probably Paul.
What was your most memorable date?
Our most memorable date in my (Amanda) mind would be one of our first dates. Paul drove his sisters car that night and took me to dinner and a movie. This was the first night he held my hand (so sweet!) but it was also the first night I saw him stressed out. He accidentally left his sisters lights on so when we got out of the movie the car was dead. It was pouring outside and we couldn't find the battery in her car so it was an ordeal trying to jump it. He remained pretty calm considering how embarrassed he was. I just thought it was cute. :)
What's your favorite activity together?
We like to eat. A lot.
What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
Oh this is a hard one! My favorite trip was when we went to the lake with his family a few summers ago. It was our first trip together and was so much fun!
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
Florida!
Schedule
Friday, June 2, 2017
Bridal Brunch
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
A way to say thank you to my incredible bridesmaids!
Rehearsal Dinner
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Let's get together and make sure we all know where to stand and what to say. Afterwards, we would like to thank those involved for being an important part of our wedding!
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Doors will be closing
3:50 PM
Make sure you grab a seat! At this time, the doors will be closed.
Wedding Ceremony
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
We're getting married!
Wedding Reception
5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
It's time to celebrate! Join us for our reception in the Stockmans Club at Stockyards Station!
Travel
Courtyard Fort Worth at Alliance Town Center
This is a brand new hotel by Marriott that is located only .5 miles from Alliance Town Center, 1.5 from the ceremony site, and provides easy access to highway 35.
Alliance Town Center
Alliance Town Center is a shopping center located .5 miles away from the Courtyard Marriott! This is a great place to shop or grab some food!
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our FAQ first!
What time should I arrive?
The ceremony will begin at 4:00 pm promptly. So make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to get a seat! Doors will be closing at 3:50 pm.
What should I wear?
Semi Formal
Can I bring a date?
Unfortunately, since there is limited seating at our reception venue, we ask that you only bring the number of people we reserved seats for. These people will be listed on your invitation!
Wedding Party
Will and Reese Morgan
Ring Bearer and Flower Girl
Anna Curby
Maid of Honor
Clayton Smith
Best Man
Amber Hluchan
Matron of Honor
Andrew Hart
Groomsmen
Ashley Dozier
Matron of Honor
Daniel Crouch
Groomsmen
Brynn Smith
Bridesmaid
Billy Nocita
Groomsmen
Jillian Turner
Bridesmaid
Caleb Miller
Groomsmen
Kaitlyn Leonard
Bridesmaid
Mckay Crass
Bridesmaid
John Turner
Groomsmen
Ben Theisen
Groomsmen
Registry
Your presence is enough of a present to us! But for those of you who are stubborn, we’ve put together a wish-list to help you out.