If I was forced to pick my three favorite things about Amanda for a blurb on our wedding website, they would be these: she is very beautiful, she is quick to laugh, and most importantly, she brings fun and laughter to everything we do. We met at a party out on Dickson Street with mutual friends, where I immediately noticed a pretty brunette seated near me I'd never met before. My very first interaction with Amanda was her laughing at a very unfunny joke I had just told (a tradition we've kept alive to this day). Now armed with the knowledge that an attractive girl thought I was funny, I proceeded to make the smart play and completely avoided engaging her in conversation. Luckily for me, as the night went on, she approached me. After a night of drinking, dancing, and bad British accents, we exchanged numbers and shortly afterwards set up our first date.
Our first date started as just dinner, but we ended up staying out until after midnight. I've never had so much fun with someone simply eating, driving, and walking around and by the end othe night I knew I'd found someone special. We continued to have long dates, always having a good time and laughing more than I thought possible in one night, and after two months I asked her to be my girlfriend. Three and a half years later, getting engaged was a no-brainer.
Once upon a time, a girl met a cute boy in a bar. He was really funny. Like, really really funny. This girl liked funny boys because she liked laughing. But, not only was this boy funny, but he was smart, too. Like, really really smart. This girl also liked smart boys. Unfortunately, the cute and funny and smart boy didn't seem too interested in the girl, so the girl did what any rational person would do and gave the boy her phone number and told him to call her... and he did!
Okay, so that's the abridged version of how we met. We met at a mutual friend's birthday party, and I was instantly drawn to Daniel because of how funny he was. He didn't seem very interested in me, but I wasn't deterred. We exchanged numbers and, to my surprise, he actually asked me out. From our first date onward, I always felt like I didn't want our dates to end because we were having too much fun. In fact, we'd always have so much fun just enjoying each other's company that we'd literally just get in the car and drive around for hours. We'd pick an arbitrary direction and just drive until the wee small hours of the morning. No maps, no GPS. In retrospect, it probably wasn't a good idea to drive around to the middle of nowhere with no cell phone reception with a guy I didn't know very well, but I stand by my decision.
So now, after all these years, we still enjoy each other's company and share laughter constantly. We have a beautiful house, a beautiful dog, a beautiful engagement, and I can't wait to share a beautiful marriage with Daniel. ♥
Saturday, May 27, 2017
6:00 pm
The Garden Room
215 W. Dickson St.
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Map
Our ceremony will begin at 6:00 pm on the patio at the Garden Room in Fayetteville. The reception will be held inside immediately following the ceremony. Drinks, dinner, and dancing will be served!
Unfortunately, parking at the Garden Room is limited, but paid street parking is available on Dickson Street and the streets immediately surrounding the Garden Room. Free garage parking is available at Central United Methodist Church, which is a quick 2-block walk from the Garden Room (map). Free street parking is also available on East Avenue and Block Street (map).
Thy and I met several years ago while volunteering (although it turned out we'd actually been in a class together all semester) and became fast friends. Whether we're hanging from a trapeze or eating Korean BBQ, Thy is my favorite friend to adventure with, and getting married is no exception.
My dad and I have always been great friends; there's no one I'd rather have as my best man.
If you're travelling here from out of town, here are a few hotels you might like.
The Chancellor Hotel is located Downtown in Fayetteville on the historic square and is just a couple of blocks away from the Garden Room (just a quick walk!).
The Inn at Carnall Hall is a historic hotel located on the University of Arkansas campus. Carnall Hall is about a ten minute walk to the Garden Room.
The Staybridge Suites are located just south of the University and are conveniently located off I-49.
The Homewood Suites are located on the north side of Fayetteville near shopping and restaurants.
While you're in town, be sure to check out some of Northwest Arkansas's attractions!
Visit Fayetteville's nationally renowned farmer's market on Saturday morning at the square in historic downtown Fayetteville.
Are you a beer enthusiast? Northwest Arkansas is home to numerous breweries, including Apple Blossom Brewing Company, Fossil Cove, Core, Columbus House, and many others. If you plan to make a day of it, tour bus services are available to take you to multiple breweries along the trail.
Crystal Bridges is a stunning museum located on 120 acres of Ozark landscape. In addition to American art (including a house built by Frank Lloyd Wright), the museum boasts several miles of beautiful walking trails.
The Arkansas Air and Military Museum houses military and general aircraft, military vehicles, engines, and glimpes into Arkansas's aviation history.
Hugo's is one of Fayetteville's favorite restaurants, located in a basement off the square. Burgers, fries, beer, and a funky vibe.
Hugo's is too cool to have a website
Hammontree's offers a variety of pop culture themed grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, and soups. Hammontree's is very Fayetteville.
Award-winning barbeque that Hugh Jackman claims was the best barbeque he's ever had. Also boasts the best potato salad.
Greenhouse Grille is an award-winning restaurant that offers a locally-sourced, seasonally-inspired menu. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.
In lieu of gifts, we ask that donations be made on our behalf to the Fayetteville Animal Shelter, Humane Society of the Ozarks, or the Animal League of Washington County. We are lucky enough to have everything we need (and more), but there are so many animals in shelters that aren't so lucky.
We can't wait to see everyone at the wedding!