How and or where did you meet?
Riley and I originally “met” through one of those really fun dating apps (ha!)! We were initially drawn to each other because we had pictures with our dogs on our profiles. I had just recently gotten a brown labradoodle puppy and I was instantly obsessed with him, of course! So, when I saw that Riley had the EXACT SAME dog in his pictures, I was convinced it was fate. So we messaged back and forth a few times – probably mostly about our dogs – and then almost as soon as it started we ghosted each other and I deleted the app. Fast forward a few months to summer of 2019 and I was working my summer job at a boat rental/gas dock on Table Rock Lake. One day a cute guy that worked next door at the ski shop came over asking for some change that they had run out of. I saw him the next day too and he seemed so familiar. I didn’t know it at the time, but after some Instragram investigating it didn’t take long to realize that he was the guy with the identical dog! I embarrassingly followed him and ran into him at his shop a few days later. We talked for a bit that day and then soon after he was asking me on a boat date to surf and get to know each other a little. We became pretty inseparable after that!
How did you get proposed to?
Riley planned a 3 day floating/camping trip for us on the 11 Point River a few hours from home. The trip started like normal – me guiding us with the GPS and STILL getting us extremely lost. We camped that night in a place with no cell service and a million stars. The next morning we woke up early and started paddling down the river. I was quickly overwhelmed, in the best way, seeing all the river otters and catching my first trout! 11 miles and many hours later, we were ready to stop at our camp for the night. After missing our spot due to people already being there, rushing to find a new one, and setting up camp, Riley decided to get out his drone and gopro so we could take some pictures to document our trip. Before we began our trip, we made a rule that we would only take photos on the 35mm disposable cameras that we brought, so we were excited to be able to get a picture together by the river. I was completely shocked when I looked over to find Riley down on one knee instead of stepping over next to me for the photo. It was immediate excitement and also amazement that he actually floated a whole river with my ring in his bag! It was the most incredible proposal and I was so glad to have that private moment together without feeling the pressure to text, call, or post about our new adventure! The proposal was better than anything I could have dreamed up!
Where did you get married?
Gosh, every moment of our wedding day was so special but people aren’t kidding when they tell you it goes by so fast and in a blur! However, among the millions of favorite memories from that day, my most favorite would have to be when Riley and I shared our vows to each other in private. We didn’t do a first look, so right before we went to walk down the aisle and see each other for the first time, our photographer helped us get into position standing back to back. We then took turns reading the vows we had written and it came as no surprise when they are basically the same words. At that moment the day seemed to slow down and we were met with overwhelming peace before more of the chaos. It was the perfect day spent with our most favorite people!
What vendors did you use at your wedding?
Photographer: Boston Mountain Photo (@bostonmountainphoto)
Video: Paige Allison (@paigeallisonfilm.photo)
Venue: Thorncrown Chapel Eureka Springs, AR
Reception Venue: Basin Park Hotel Eureka Springs, AR
What was your experience like at Normans Bridal?
Normans Bridal was incredible to work with! I went in with ideas of what I wanted but after trying many dresses on I just wasn’t feeling like a bride. My stylists suggested we try something different and after hearing about my vision for the wedding day, she pulled a dress she thought I should give a shot. I was hesitant to try on a fitted dress because I was worried that it wouldn’t be flattering. As soon as I got the dress on, I knew it was the one. It fit like a glove and made me feel beautiful! I finally felt like I was actually getting married soon and it was in a dress I would have never picked for myself. All the ladies working were so kind and gave the highest compliments to make me feel my best. I left my appointment feeling excited and confident to wear my dress on the big day!
