February 3, 2024
Colton and I met through mutual friends when we were very young; we lived in the same neighborhood for a few years. Shortly after we met, Colton moved out of the neighborhood, and we lost touch for a couple of years. One day, we reconnected and have been inseparable ever since. We started dating in the summer of 2016. Colton moved back to his hometown in the fall/winter of 2016 to go to school and live with his grandpa while he was in school. In 2020, I lost my job due to COVID-19, so I went to stay with Colton for a little while to find a job and do my schoolwork. I never left; I went home to get the rest of my stuff and moved in with Colton. In 2021, we purchased our first home together and have been in it ever since. On Christmas 2022, for some reason, I had a gut feeling that he had a ring, but I didn’t know when he would propose. Being so convinced that it would be on Christmas, I looked in all the stockings, tree branches, and everywhere I could think of where he would have the ring, and I couldn’t find it. A little while later, Colton told me he had forgotten one of my presents, which was on the counter. When I finally turned around and looked at him (I was doing something in the other room and didn’t think it was a huge gift), he was proposing to me. He planned on proposing when we took couple’s portraits together, but since I was on to him, he decided to do it then! Our couple’s portraits turned into an engagement session. Colton and I have been and always will be best friends; we love to laugh with each other, and we’re excited to spend the rest of our lives making each other laugh.
The part of our wedding day that made it special was that it was raining, which was good luck, and it cleared up just in time for the ceremony. It was also special having a first look since we are a little bit shy; we appreciated being able to have that moment by ourselves. Also, we loved having our wonderful friends stand by our side. They have all been there through thick and thin for us! Our friends joined us on the dance floor to celebrate our marriage.
Parents of the Bride: Shannon Dale, Ryan Holford
Matron/Maid of Honor: Kadie Guillory
Bridesmaids: Ava Tarpley, Holli Burney
Best Man: Jacob McRae
Groomsmen: Sean Monroe, Dylan Hicks
Flower Girls: Hailey Cochran, Raylee Cochran
Ring Bearer: Tripp Porchia
Pastor / Officiant: Wayne Bryant
Flowers: Dried flowers that were given to the bride from the groom. Table flowers were arranged by the bride’s family through Hobby Lobby flowers.
Hair & Make-Up: Lauren McMahen
Venue: Garrison Gardens, Texarkana, AR
Wedding Coordinator: Karen Guilbert
Cake: Graham Slam Bakery
Caterer: Garrison Gardens
DJ: Chuck Guilbert
Rentals: Dot’s Rental
Photographer: Breanne Bradshaw
Wedding Invitations: Designed by the Bride
Wedding Dress: Dearly Loved Bridal
Wedding Jewelry: Wedding bands were from Murphy-Pitard Jewelers in El Dorado, AR, Bride bracelets were hand-created by her aunt at, Leila in San Diego, California.
Tuxedos: GQ Fashion in El Dorado, AR