Engaged: Amanda and Cole

Every one of Cole and Amanda's engagement photos got the "aww so cute!" reaction from us. Great job Christine Bonnivier Photography! We are so looking forward to this couple's May nuptials at a local midwest barn. Their comfortable demeanor with each other is so evident in person and in their photos - stay tuned for more from their wedding day!

How did the two of you meet and how long have you been together?

We met through Match.com, and had our first date at Andy’s Frozen Custard. We have been together almost five years! Also, come to find out his family has known my grandparents for years. I think it was fate.

Tell us about one of your favorite dates!

Amanda: He took me on a spur of the moment birthday date a couple of years ago. I was just about to leave work, and he told me to pack my bags as soon as I got home. That night we headed down to Branson, had a fun dinner, and stayed in a hotel overlooking the river.

When did you know it was the real thing?

Amanda: Probably when he told me he wanted to become our own little family. Just the two of us and his dog Hunter.

Cole:  One day I had a talk with my Grandpa about life, and he asked me why I wasn’t married yet. That’s when I  realized that I never wanted to let her go, and she’s the one.  

Was the proposal a surprise? How did it happen?

Amanda: It was a surprise! We have two labs and our girl dog is Sadie. He gave her a bone and had her bring it over to me from the other room, and when she gave it to me it said, “Will you marry Dad?” It was the cutest thing ever, and I was shocked and very excited!

How do you envision your wedding day?

Hopefully going off without a hitch. Fun, romantic, elegant, and everyone having a good time.

Are there any fun family traditions or special details that you are planning to incorporate?

Amanda: I will be using my parent’s cake servers from when they got married in 1983, and will also be using my great grandmother and grandmother’s silver and china.

Amanda, what are you most looking forward to on your big day?

Seeing his face when I walk down the aisle, and pledging our love together.

Cole, what are you most looking forward to on the big day?

 The thing I'm most looking forward to at our wedding would be finally able to call the girl of my dreams my wife, and starting our lives together

What are we both looking forward to?
Having family and friends join us on our special day, and our honeymoon to Grenada!

Venue: Dogwood Canyon (Big Cedar)
Photographer: Christine Bonnivier

Engaged: Taylor and Ira

Meet Taylor and Ira! They are planning their stunning wedding celebration with us that will take place in October. Enjoy their love story and their FABULOUS engagement photos by Twin Town Studios!

How did the two of you meet and how long have you been together?

This is the story of a small town girl from Missouri and a boy from Kansas. It began a little different than most love stories. He and his friends were searching for mischief on a hot Sunday in May. His friend Vautrin asked her what she was doing after work and if she wanted a ride to attend a soiree later that night, she obliged. 

As she opened the door to escape the confines of work, the young man from Kansas became nervous at the thought that this beautiful girl was getting in the car with them? He ever-so unsmoothly rolled down the window, hung out of it, and said, "Hey! Can I borrow your phone charger?" She accepted the awkward invitation to lend it and they sped off into the sunset en route to Vautrin's.

The car ride was saturated with the extravagant karaoke abilities of Jake. They finally arrived, walked in and took their prospective places on the couch. As most get-togethers go with young men, members of the opposite sex must be present for it to be considered a party. So Jake took it upon himself (as always) to make sure that was taken care of.

About an hour into the night two boisterous, slightly intoxicated, young women showed up to the party. As the small town girl from Missouri and the boy from Kansas sat next to each other on the couch exchanging small talk, one of the girls belts out, "Are you two together?!" They exclaimed, "No." The two girls then said, "Why don't you ask her out then?" He thought to himself, "Why would this girl ever want to go out with me?"

He politely turned down their idea of the thought of asking her out. They were very persistent. The other one finally shouts, "Oh gosh, ask her for her number!" He finally obliged, mustered up the courage, asked her for her number and asked her on a date. The small town girl from Missouri and the boy from Kansas have been inseparable ever since. She said yes to forever and he can't imagine what life was like without her. They have been together for 2 years this month.

Tell us about one of your favorite dates!

We both are very busy young people throughout the week, with very little time to spare. So most date nights take place on our weekends off. Our favorite dates are trying to find new places to eat here locally. If we do not succeed, you’ll most likely find us at an intimate dinner in a dimly lit restaurant such as Flame.

When did you know it was the real thing?

Taylor: I knew it was the real thing when I wanted to be around him 24/7 and never got tired of him.  He is so goofy and loving and he always puts me in a good mood! 

Ira: The first time I saw her in a bikini! Duh (completely kidding, kind of) No, I knew she was the one when she understood my odd, quirky ways like no one ever had before. She found joy in my goofy antics, stories and different sense of comedy. She liked my eclectic sense of style and my weird choice of music selection.

Was the proposal a surprise? How did it happen?

Yes, the proposal was a complete surprise.  Taylor worked at a restaurant and had just got off one night pretty late and Ira was waiting at her apartment with it all set up. He had candles leading to the bedroom and rose petals everywhere. She was so surprised and it was so romantic and perfect! 

How do you envision your wedding day?

Taylor:  I just want it to be a fun, relaxing day while getting ready, a ceremony that will mean a lot to us, and of course a reception that nobody will forget.

Ira: A party to remember! I want people to leave saying, “Wow, now that’s a wedding!”

Are there any fun family traditions or special details that you are planning to incorporate?

It will be a full scale grandeur Catholic wedding rich in traditions

Taylor, what are you most looking forward to on your big day?

I am looking forward to walking down the isle and seeing Ira waiting for me at the altar.  I am also excited for our first dance, because we are going to take dance lessons!

Ira, what are you most looking forward to on the big day?

I am excited to throw that three piece tux on, looking like a boss, pledging my life to my love. I can’t wait to see all our friends cut loose and have way more fun than ever intended. And of course I’m elated for our honeymoon! Aruba baby!