Meet Bre+Eddy

Today Breanna and Eddy share their story!


1: How did you two meet one another?

A little history...Bre is from San Diego, CA & I am from Benton, IL. We both transferred from other colleges to Lee University in Cleveland, TN the fall Semester of our Sophomore year in 2008. Almost exactly one month to the day of beginning classes at Lee, I was invited to help my "sisters" dorm with a bake sale fundraiser. I was the only guy helping with the baking & door to door sales. Breanna was one of the girls in our sister dorm, but I hadn’t met her yet. Our curfew was 9 p.m. but the Resident Director let me stay past hours :) Every thing was going very smoothly and we were having fun and then all of a sudden Breanna butted into a conversation I was having. At that very moment my life was changed forever… I turned to respond to the sweet, small voice behind me and when I saw Breanna’s face my heart skipped a few beats and I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. Over the next few weeks we started talking, sometimes until the early morning hours, and the rest is history.

2: What is your favorite thing about one another?

Eddy: My favorite thing about Bre Bre, hmmm… It would definitely have to be more than one thing! I love her smile, her hop :) her laugh, how sweet she is, her honesty and that she is the most compassionate, loving, kind and strong woman and person I have ever met.

Bre: My favorite thing about Eddy would be his love. He is a big man (at least compared to my family :)), but has an even BIGGER heart. He is my big teddy bear that will always put a smile on my face. I love you Eddy!

3: What is your most memorable moment with one another?

Our most memorable moment is an impossible question to answer, but the one that comes to mind has to be the auction I was involuntarily entered into by the wonderful girls of Livingston Hall (it was a Breast Cancer Benefit Concert). All throughout the week I was telling my lovely little Bre Bre to buy me. I was so nervous and so was she! However, when push came to shove she bought me for $45. I was so happy! She rescued me from a room full of crazy women! At that time she didn’t realize that she would be buying a Hubbie!

4: What is your ideal date?

Our ideal date would be to go on top of Mount Chilhowee and walk to a perfect place with a great view of the Ocoee River, throw down a blanket as the sun goes down while eating chicken salad sandwiches with some sweet tea, potato salad and lemon bars on a warm, fall afternoon with the breathtaking array of fall colors because it’s our favorite season too!

5: How did the proposal take place?

Well, to celebrate our 13th month of being together, we decided to drive over to Asheville, North Carolina and go to the beautiful Biltmore Estates. It was November 14th of 2009 and the leaves were incredible. It was also a wonderful 70 degrees and perfect weather for a walk. However, there was a rock slide on I-40 so we would have to go on a back-road adventure through the country. On top of I-40 being blocked, there was a rock slide on Highway 64! This caused us to go even further out of our way; this would not have been a problem if we were familiar with the area, but I, Eddy, am from Illinois and Bre is from San Diego so we had no idea where we were going. Although neither of us knew where to go, I pushed the idea and we took off on a wild adventure through the back country of Tennessee and North Carolina. For a couple hours we had no idea where we were but eventually we made it to our destination. Once at the Biltmore we got our tickets, drove in and found out that we had to wait an hour and a half before we could enter the house. We then decided that we should explore so we went on a little expedition through the beautiful wooded trails on the several thousand-acre land. To our pleasure we came upon a beautiful pond at sunset. I was extremely anxious to get away from people so I could propose so we hurriedly went around the pond to the overflow behind the pond. The overflow created somewhat of a waterfall that went into a creek and the creek was lined with beautiful bushes and trees. When we got to the brook I hopped up on a rock and told Bre to take my picture. While she took the picture I suddenly pulled out the ring and she then asked why I was making a silly face. After her inquiry I asked her if she saw what was in my hand and then she screamed! I proceeded to propose and she said yes! An older couple started clapping up by the spillway so I ran behind a bush because I was nervous. We then went on to have a wonderful day and the joy has not stopped! :)

6: Favorite movie for each of you and why?

Eddy’s favorite movie of all time is… Faith Like Potatoes. This movie is about a family from the U.K. that has an encounter with God. They are farmers in South Africa and the husband has to take some sort of medicine or he will loose his temper and become disconnected from his family. His farming is also suffering and all they have to their name is a tractor and a mobile home. One day in church he encounters God and has a radical change in his life. Soon he gains control of his temper, reconnects with his family and begins preaching and seeing miracles happen with his crops. It is a story about love, faith and the power of God. It’s about honoring God with all your heart and being devoted to your family. Faith Like Potatoes embodies my dream, supporting my family and spreading the love and Word of God. I love this movie because it is what I want, to provide for my family, love my wife like a real man does and live life for God, spreading His Word.

Bre’s favorite movie is…Up. This movie is about a man that has just lost his wife. He met her when they were very young. They both loved a famous adventurer and vowed to visit South America when they grew up. However, the events of life wore them down and took their time so they never got the opportunity to go before she passed. After she passes he turns into a grumpy old man. When a wealthy man desiring to build huge buildings comes to buy the house he gets worse and eventually hits a man with his cane. Shortly thereafter, he is forced to move into an assisted living home. When the people come to take him away, he releases thousands of balloons into the air and his house goes flying away with him in it headed to the place in South America. In the meantime, he meets a boy, they go through many adventures and the house winds up where he and his wife wanted it to be. The man and the boy return home and become friends forever.  I like it because in the beginning the couple is like me and Eddy. They do everything together and want to travel the world! 

7: Where was your 1st kiss?

Our first kiss is a moment that would be hard for both of us to forget. Being in a small town, at least for Bre, both of us decided to go see the “city lights” of Cleveland, Tennessee. We found a picnic bench to sit on, admired the pretty lights from up top, and talked, talked, talked! After awhile Bre noticed Eddy suddenly stopped talking and found that her heart started pounding harder and faster. She thought he was going to kiss her, yet to her surprise she was right, BUT he was aiming for her nose!

8: Favorite TV show to watch together and why?

Well… due to the fact that we are poor college kids living far away from home we do not have cable, therefore creating an impossibility to watch TV. However, we love to play cards. Bre wins at speed and crazy eights, but Eddy wins at Rummy! :)

9: Favorite flavor of ice cream for each of you?

This is kind of coincidental, but we actually both love Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream. We can down a pint of Ben and Jerry’s like nobody’s business!

10: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

Being, young college students we can only look forward to what the future holds for the both of us.  Once we are married, we look forward to spending our first year of our marriage in a place new to both of us, New Braunfels, TX.  Bre will be seeking a career in Healthcare Administration and Eddy in Elementary Education, both of us intend to pursue graduate degrees. We plan on being involved in ministry, hopefully where we live and abroad.  We both share a love for God & enjoy sharing His word & helping others.  A major thing we both have dreamed about in our childhood is to adopt children, we hope this is something we can make happen as well as have our own biological children.  Only God knows what is in store for us, but we look forward to our new life together and are thankful we will have each other to share the rest of our lives.  Who would have ever imagined that small town boy would meet big city girl in a place they never imagined to be!

Good luck Bre and Eddy! Thanks for entering the contest!
Wes


Need to review the other couples? Find them here:
Couple One: Shelley+Brian
Couple Two: Stephanie+Jeremy
Couple Three: Lindsey+Heath
Couple Four: Jamie+Jonathan
Couple Five: Janie+George
Couple Six: Shawn+Donna
Couple Seven: Tara+Steven



Have no idea what the heck we're talking about? Read about the contest here:
The Perfect Ten: 10/10/10 Contest

Meet Tara+Steven

We're over half way there! Today it's Tara and Steven's turn!


1: How did you two meet one another?

We met our freshmen year at Sevier County High Scool in Mr. Gilmore's homeroom class.  We sat next to each other. And of course Steven couldn't take his eyes off me.

2: What is your favorite thing about one another?

 Tara-I love that I can truly be myself around Steven.  He has been around my quirks for nearly 10 years and still wanted to marry me!
Steven- I love Tara's big heart. She cares so deeply for people.  If she could, I think should would try to help out every person in need.

3: What is your most memorable moment with one another?

We agree completely on this!  Our first Valentine's Day together Steven and I had to spend the day apart because we went to two different schools and both had exams.  The day after Valentine's Day I went up to visit Steven at UT.  I assumed the Valentine's ship had sailed and was not expecting what came next.  Steven met me in the dorm lobby in a suit and Valentine's Day bright red tie with hearts on it.  He had also decorated the entire dorm room with red and pink EVERYTHING!  (seriously... conversational hearts to flashing red heart lights.)  His room looked like the seasonal section at Walgreens!  We just ate Chick-fil-a and watched a movie but it was the best Valentine's Day we have ever had.

4: What is your ideal date?

Anything where we can involve the dogs!  We have two labs, Davis and Scout and we take them everywhere we possibly can.  It feels like our own little family when the four of us are together.

5: How did the proposal take place?

Christmas Eve we were hanging out at Steven's grandparents cabin in Cosby, TN.   Steven had the ring but was waiting to ask my parents for permission to marry me.  He had told me before we went out to eat that he had forgotten my Christmas present in Nashville.  (And if I remember correctly I think I might have jokingly said "you ruined Christmas!").  At lunch I made the comment (having NO IDEA that he had the ring)  that I didn't even care anymore if he asked my parents... I mean it had been 5 years people. (It should be noted that this was said as a joke.) On the way home Steven told me he had my Christmas present at the house. 

Once we got back to the cabin I was sitting outside playing with our dogs, Davis and Scout (our love children), and I was swinging on the porch swing.  He came out with a huge smile on his face and got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.  The first thing I said was not the ever popular "yes" but instead it was "I didn't think you were serious!" After about 5 minutes of ugly crying, I said yes.  I then asked "Did you ask my parents?"  And of course he answered, "you told me at lunch I didn't have to!" 

Then Davis ate the ring box in protest.

6: Favorite movie for each of you and why?

Tara-Lady and the Tramp hands down.  It has been my favorite Disney movie since I was a little kid.  I have probably watched the movie 1000 times because every time I am upset or don't feel good I pop it in.  I should also mention that I cry almost every single time. 

Steven-Forrest Gump because it tells a great story and is funny.

7: Where was your 1st kiss?

Our first kiss was at the end of our sophomore year in high school.  We were watching the fireflies on a little country hill and I just leaned over and kissed him!

8: Favorite TV show to watch together and why?

The Office. It lines up with our sense of humor and Steven sees Dwight as an inspiration, because he too wants to one day own his own beet farm. We have watched it together since season 1 and will, every now and then, have an all day Office marathon with seasons 1-5.

9: Favorite flavor of ice cream for each of you?

Tara-Cherry Chocolate Chip.
Steven-Mint Chocolate Chip.

10: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

Tara hopes that in 10 years she will either be teaching or working in a museum.  I see myself doing something with engineering management.  Tara and myself have both been volunteer Young Life leaders for several and would like to help out where ever we are.  We also both have a passion for adoption and in 10 years we would like to be in a place where we could give a child a loving home.  

We have no idea idea where God might lead us but we trust in His plan for us completely.

At least the pup didn't eat the ring! Thanks for sharing your story with us, Tara and Steven! Good luck!

Wes


Need to review the other couples? Find them here:
Couple One: Shelley+Brian
Couple Two: Stephanie+Jeremy
Couple Three: Lindsey+Heath
Couple Four: Jamie+Jonathan
Couple Five: Janie+George
Couple Six: Shawn+Donna



Have no idea what the heck we're talking about? Read about the contest here:
The Perfect Ten: 10/10/10 Contest

Meet Shawn+Donna

Today we're presenting Shawn and Donna's story!


1: How did you two meet one another?

We both worked at Lowes in Sevierville. We worked together there for a little while.

2: What is your favorite thing about one another?

My favorite thing about her is her smile. When she smiles it just seems to make the day better. Her favorite thing is my smile and the dimples I get when I smile.

3: What is your most memorable moment with one another?

Our most memorable moment is our first date. We ate at a chinese restaurant in Sevierville. We talked and talked. I kept trying to have proper manners to impress her and the whole time she kept telling me to relax. After we finished eating we stood out in front of the restaurant and talked for a while longer cause we didn't want the date to end.

4: What is your ideal date?

For an ideal date we would start off having dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Thats our favorite place to eat. After that we love to just drive around and go see different places like the mountains or sight see.

5: How did the proposal take place?

 She was over at her mom's house helping her pack some stuff up. I went over there to see how things were going. We had walked back outside and as we were talking I just popped out the question and asked her to marry me. It was totally unexpected and caught her off guard. She was totally surprised, but said yes without hesitation.

6: Favorite movie for each of you and why?

My favorite movie is Urban Cowboy. I just like the way the two main characters interact and were made for each other no matter how hard they try to deny it. Donna's is Simon Birch. The little boy had a lot of problems, but never gave up and he went through so much and was still a beautiful person.

7: Where was your 1st kiss?

Our first kiss was on our first date. She had gotten in her car to leave and asked me to look at a light on her dashboard. I stuck my head in and looked and assured her it wasn't anything wrong Before I pulled my head out of the car I turned to her and gave her a kiss. We were parked in front of the restaurant window.

8: Favorite TV show to watch together and why?

We like to watch Family Guy and Two and a Half Men. We love the comedy of the two shows and how we can sit and laugh together.

9: Favorite flavor of ice cream for each of you?

 My favorite flavor of ice cream is butter pecan and her's is Whitehouse cherry.

10: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

In ten years we see ourselves with a big family and a big house with a big yard. The only thing we will have to worry about is what fun things to do next with the kids.

Thanks for sharing Donna and Shawn! Best of luck!

Wes


Need to review the other couples? Find them here:
Couple One: Shelley+Brian
Couple Two: Stephanie+Jeremy
Couple Three: Lindsey+Heath
Couple Four: Jamie+Jonathan
Couple Five: Janie+George



Have no idea what the heck we're talking about? Read about the contest here:
The Perfect Ten: 10/10/10 Contest

Meet Janie+George

First off, I hope you didn't get too attached to yesterday's couple. We got an email from Jamie and Jonathan tonight that said they were going to have to withdraw from the contest. Before you say, "what the crap?", they have a great reason... In their story, Jamie mentioned this, "I proposed to him! His cousin lives in Hawaii and the original plan was to go visit this summer, pop the question there and then have a quick beach wedding, but we decided we want our family and friends to be involved so we are waiting."

Well, it turns out their parents have bought them airfare to Hawaii and were planning on surprising Jamie and Jonathan. So they flipped out when they heard about the contest today and went ahead and let the couple in on the plans. How cool is that?!? Congrats Jamie and Jonathan!

So that means one less competitor for all the other cool couples that are still in the running! Like today's pair Janie and George. Here's their story!



1: How did you two meet one another?

George & I met through a mutual friend in 1993. I admired him from afar for several years until we lost contact. He moved to Florida and I moved to Illinois. I heard how he was doing from different friends. In 2003, we had both moved back to Tennessee, and our mutual friend wanted me to go with her to see him. Well, we hit it off and haven't been away from each other since.

2: What is your favorite thing about one another?

George is not afraid to say what's on his mind. If he knows something isn't right then he will speak up.

3: What is your most memorable moment with one another?

After we had been dating for only 3 months I wrecked my car. I called George and he was there in 5 minutes. When I felt his arms around me I knew he was "The One". He had my car towed and stayed the night with me.

4: What is your ideal date?

Our ideal date is to pack a cooler and a lunch and stay on the lake all day.

5: How did the proposal take place?

George took me to Myrtle Beach and we went to a karaoke bar one evening. He bought a bottle of wine and borrowed the microphone to announce his intentions to marry me. Unfortunately, neither of us are singers, but there were several good singers who were kind enough to sing a few love songs dedicated to us.

6: Favorite movie for each of you and why?

"Our movie" is Urban Cowboy. One night we were watching it and we just knew that movie was made for us. He's my Bud and I'm his Sissy.


7: Where was your 1st kiss?

Our first kiss was when he borrowed his cousin's boat and we went night swimming. It was Fort Loudon Lake and the stars were amazing that night. He was, and still is, the best kisser ever.

8: Favorite TV show to watch together and why?

We like to watch Malcolm in the Middle. That show comes on several times a day it just makes us laugh so hard.

9: Favorite flavor of ice cream for each of you?

George likes Moose Tracks and I like lemon custard. :)

10: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

In ten years I see me and George sitting on the dock, feeding the ducks and jammin' to 80's hair band tunes. I hope our neighbors are still cool in ten years!!

Good luck Janie and George! And thanks for entering!

Wes


Need to review the other couples? Find them here:
Couple One: Shelley+Brian
Couple Two: Stephanie+Jeremy
Couple Three: Lindsey+Heath
Couple Four: Jamie+Jonathan


Have no idea what the heck we're talking about? Read about the contest here:
The Perfect Ten: 10/10/10 Contest

Meet Jamie+Jonathan

Moving right along, it's Jamie and Jonathan's turn!


1: How did you two meet one another?

We met during our freshman year in high school. 1998. A mutual friend introduced us and the rest is history.

2: What is your favorite thing about one another?

Jamie: My favourite thing about him is his ability to stay calm in every situation. I tend to overreact and sometimes hyperventilate, so his being able to keep me cool is fantastic!
 
Jonathan: My favorite thing about her is her personality. Outgoing, life loving, giving, fun!

3: What is your most memorable moment with one another?

There have been a lot over the last 12 years. One of the funniest was when we got in trouble in school for PDA. A teacher caught us kissing in the hallway in between classes and warned us. The next break between classes the same teacher caught us hugging goodbye, brought us up to the principal's office, angrily asked us if we knew the meaning of 'defiance' and then threw us in detention...together!

4: What is your ideal date?

Anything involving the outdoors. Specifically hiking, a swim in the river, picnic and then a drive home with good music, wind blowing into the car and each other's company.

5: How did the proposal take place?

Jamie: I proposed to him! His cousin lives in Hawaii and the original plan was to go visit this summer, pop the question there and then have a quick beach wedding, but we decided we want our family and friends to be involved so we are waiting.

6: Favorite movie for each of you and why?

Jonathan: There are so many, I can't answer that. My most watched is Night of the Living Dead. Zombies, social commentary and people eating real animal guts? Check, check and check. Oh and did I mention zombies?!?!

Jamie: I also cannot choose a single favourite. The movie I have probably seen the most is The Goonies. Never gets old. However, Avatar is amazing...I may have to go with that one. 


7: Where was your 1st kiss?

We went to see the movie 'Hard Rain' with a friend. It was 1998. I don't remember much of the movie! And I feel bad for the friend!


8: Favorite TV show to watch together and why?

Any of the Adult Swim shows. They come on late at night after everything needed to be done for the day is done and we can just relax and be with each other. Oh, and laugh!

9: Favorite flavor of ice cream for each of you?

Jamie: Baskin Robbins Mint Chocolate Chip. Or Rocky Road. One scoop of each is ideal! 

Jonathan: Ben & Jerry's Mission to Marzipan. Yum!

10: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

Jamie: Traveling! I am going to school for Anthropology and my biggest goal is to travel the world doing research at different dig sites!

Thanks for entering Jamie and Jonathan!

See everyone tomorrow!

Wes

Need to review the other couples? Find them here:
Couple One: Shelley+Brian
Couple Two: Stephanie+Jeremy
Couple Three: Lindsey+Heath


Have no idea what the heck we're talking about? Read about the contest here:
The Perfect Ten: 10/10/10 Contest

Meet Lindsey+Heath

Today's story is brought to you by Lindsey and Heath. Enjoy!


1: How did you two meet one another?

Almost five years ago while I was still in high school one of my good friends was seeing this guy who had a roommate that I had always thought was very cute (Heath). One day my friend asked me if I was interested in anyone, and I said yes, that I had always thought Heath Noble was very cute.  The next thing I knew my friend said that Heath had always thought I was pretty! So,  I went to McDonald's (where Heath is a manager) one night after I had finished my shift at my job and gave him my number and it's been history ever since!

2: What is your favorite thing about one another?

Lindsey: My favorite thing about Heath is how he compliments me so well, He's so much more laid back than I am with certain things and he can always make me laugh!

Heath: Yes, we're like peanut butter and jelly (we go very well together!)

3: What is your most memorable moment with one another?

Every moment is pretty memorable, but one that sticks out in our mind is our first road trip together to King's Island in Ohio.  We followed Heath's mom in his truck for eight hours! But the time in that little truck was the best! We learned a lot about each other on that trip; we talked about everything under the sun, we joked a lot, we sang to the top of our lungs (R-E-S-P-E-C-T anybody?), we just had a total adventure!  That road trip was a blast, not to mention King's Island itself was fun (the place I discovered Heath is afraid of heights and he learned that I was not!)  Definitely one of the most fun times we've had during our journey together!

4: What is your ideal date?

Our ideal date is jumping in the car or truck and getting lost for a while.  Being lost is the best adventure you can ever have.

5: How did the proposal take place?

Well, we had the ring since October, and we knew that it was Lindsey's Christmas present.  A couple of weeks before Christmas we were getting stressed (who doesn't during this time) and we were not getting along. I(Lindsey) had gotten into the shower one afternoon and when I had climbed out and opened the bathroom door (with my towel of course) there was Heath down on one knee with my ring in his hand! I was shocked and couldn't see well (I wear contacts and glasses and had neither) but Heath asked me to marry him and I melted like butter and have been a giddy little school girl ever since!

6: Favorite movie for each of you and why?

Lindsey: Wayne's World because it is the story of my life (if I had been in my 20's in the 80's).

Heath: Woodstock: Three days of peace and music for the good music and good time.

7: Where was your 1st kiss?

Our first kiss was in the parking lot of Heath's first apartment right before I left to go to work. He just kissed me goodbye.....that boy had me!

8: Favorite TV show to watch together and why?

Family Guy, because it is just too funny for words (giggity!)

9: Favorite flavor of ice cream for each of you?

Lindsey: Chocolate chip cookie dough

Heath: Any flavor of Sherbet

10: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

Together!  Together with a couple of kids living closer to our families.

Thanks for sharing guys! Good luck!

Tomorrow we will share another cool story... stay tuned!

Wes



Need to review the other couples? Find them here:
Couple One: Shelley+Brian
Couple Two: Stephanie+Jeremy

Have no idea what the heck we're talking about? Read about the contest here:
The Perfect Ten: 10/10/10 Contest

Meet Stephanie+Jeremy

One couple down, nine to go! Today we have the story of Stephanie and Jeremy!

1: How did you two meet one another?

We worked together at East Tennessee Medical Group for 2 years.

2: What is your favorite thing about one another?

Stephanie: My favorite thing about Jeremy is the way he makes me feel. He makes me smile and feel just like a princess.

Jeremy: The favorite thing that I like about Stephanie is her smile. It makes my heart melt and I know that I'm the luckiest guy in the world.

3: What is your most memorable moment with one another?

The most memorable moment that we share is we had only been dating for 2 or 3 months. I was told that I was going to have to have open heart surgery. Jeremy was by my side with my mom through it all. He went to all the doctor appointments and spent a whole week at Vanderbilt with me after the surgery.

4: What is your ideal date?

Taking a picnic to Cades Cove and sitting in the field on a blanket and just telling each other a little about yourself and getting to know one another.

5: How did the proposal take place?

It was Christmas 2009 and with his family. Everyone was taking pictures and I was playing in the floor with my kids and he came up behind me and got on his knee and said that he didn't have a long speech but asked would you marry me. I said yes and my kids were screaming "my mom and Jeremy are finally getting married!"

6: Favorite movie for each of you and why?

My favorite movie is Hope Floats. I love how, when her life has been turned upside down, she is still able to turn it around and find someone who loves her for who she is and doesn't look back on her past. Jeremy's favorite movie is National Lampoon's Christmas. He loves comedy and how it brings the family together to show them it's not about what you have or what you get. It's not about being better than someone, it's about the love that you have for one another.

7: Where was your 1st kiss?

Our first kiss was in his car outside of Applebee's on our first date.

8: Favorite TV show to watch together and why?

Judge Judy. We like to watch others get on there and make a fool of themselves and see Judge Judy get upset and tell everyone like it is and how it should have been handled or will be handled, like it or not.

9: Favorite flavor of ice cream for each of you?

Jeremy's favorite is chocolate. My favorite is vanilla with sprinkles.

10: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

We see ourselves in 10 years happily married. We will both have great jobs and playing and spending every moment with the kids that we can. We will be celebrating milestones with them through their school years and programs and sports that they may be involved in.

Thanks for sharing Stephanie and Jeremy! Good luck!

Coming tomorrow will be another cool couple... stay tuned!

Wes

Need to review the other couples? Find them here:
Couple One: Shelley+Brian

Have no idea what the heck we're talking about? Read about the contest here:
The Perfect Ten: 10/10/10 Contest

And away we go... Shelley+Brian

Well, here we go! We had a great response to the contest: 22 entries! But only 10 got their stories back to us by the deadline. Kind of fitting though... TEN contestants! :) So since we have exactly 10 and there are 10 days until the we open up voting, you get one story a day! So sit back, enjoy the stories, make notes on your favorites and don't forget to come back every day to meet a new couple!

Today we present Shelley and Brian!

1: How did you two meet one another?

After talking on the phone and via email for many weeks, we finally decided to meet.  It was Fourth of July and we made last minute plans to meet at Brian's house.  We saw each other the first time at dusk, and watched as the fireworks showered the sky.  

2: What is your favorite thing about one another? 

Shelley:  My favorite thing about Brian is his giant heart.  He genuinely cares about those around him, family, friends and our 8 furry kids.  And because of it, I know, through and through, that I am loved in the same way I love him. 

Brian: It is really all of the little things, how she makes me feel when I am around her, when she comes home from work and opens the door with a smile on her face, more than anything it is knowing that she truly loves me and that I feel it when she it is around me.  I have never felt anything like it before.

3: What is your most memorable moment with one another?

Shelley:  Definitely our engagement, in the midst of 4,000 people, it seemed like there was no one else in the world for those few moments.

Brian: Besides our engagement, it was sitting on the lawn at Bonnaroo listening to Spoon, drinking Jager, and talking about our future.

4: What is your ideal date?

Shelley:  My ideal date would be a day in the mountains where we could hike and take a picnic lunch, it is really hard to pick one thing, when staying in and doing nothing together is awesome.

Brian: Rather than a hot air balloon ride over the Swiss Alps and bungee jumping out to a catered lobster brunch cooked by Wolfgang Puck and flown-in by helicopter,  just being together is enough (Brian: "Won't they find this cheesy, even though it is true?", Shelley: "Yes, but so what!")

5: How did the proposal take place? 

We had both, very democratically, decided to get married.  However, Brian had other plans! We were on a trip to Austin, Texas to see our favorite band, Spoon, play three shows.  We had first talked about marriage and living together at their show at Bonnaroo two years before.  On the first night of the concert, a few songs into their set, they played "our song".  Brian turned to me and asked me if I remembered what I had asked him last time we saw this band.  I knew I had asked him if he thought we would get married, so that is what I replied.  He smiled and told me "now it is my turn to ask you, will you marry me?".  Surprise doesn't even come close to describing my emotion. I was so overcome with emotion I cried, as he put the ring on my finger.  Not only was it a perfect fit, but he had met with my best friend and had the ring designed especially for me.  He asked if the crying meant yes, and as I came back down to earth, I told him, of course it did!

6: Favorite movie for each of you and why?

We talked about it and couldn't pick one. We discovered before we had met face to face, that we had the same TWO favorite movies: Fight Club and Snatch.
Why?:  We like the clever dialog, plot twists, humor and not mention Brian's man-crush on Brad Pitt. "Do ya like dags?"

7: Where was your 1st kiss?

Sitting close together on the couch, the night we met. There was just the right amount electricity in the air that night!

8: Favorite TV show to watch together and why?

Right now our favorite show is Lost.  We have watched seasons 2-5 in about 2 months of weekends!
While the show is entertaining, we have enjoyed the suspense, and twists and turns of the plot. 
Mostly, we enjoy the time together cuddled on the couch!

9: Favorite flavor of ice cream for each of you?

We both love coffee ice cream and both had before we met! (It is one of Brian's weaknesses!)

10: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

Married (obviously)! We hope to have built our own home, to house not only us, but our 4 dogs and 4 cats (who knows how may we we have by then), and our children.  We know in that time we can travel, grow and learn together.

Thanks Shelley and Brian for sharing your story! Good luck to you both with the contest!

Remember folks, check back tomorrow for our second couple. And voting will open on on Feb. 10!

Thanks for visiting,
Wes

The Perfect Ten : 10/10/10 : The Coolest Contest Ever!

Oh yeah, this is BIG NEWS alright! To celebrate our 10th year of marriage (everybody say "aawww!") and the fact that we photographed our first wedding together ten years ago (Hi David and Angie Pointer - we love you guys!), we are having a contest to give away a wedding!! Well, not the whole she-bang. What, do you think we have the budget of NBC? ;) No, we're going to gift one lucky couple a $3000 photography package! And the even better news is that we've got some other great vendors to chip in with some awesome prizes too to bring the total value over $7500 (more on that in a minute)!!

Why are we doing this?
[Mushiness] Danielle and I can not believe that we've been married for ten years! It's not that we didn't think we would make it this far, it's just that it has flown by. In those ten short years we have started a successful business together, remodeled a house, and become parents to two amazing little girls.

We started out as a couple of young lovebirds with no real direction in life. Danielle was still in college and I was an underpaid newspaper photographer. But then things started to fall into place. Inspired by our own horrible wedding photos (we didn't know the first thing about wedding photography back then) we decided to photograph a friend's wedding. And then another. And another. The couples were thrilled with their photos and poor Danielle cried every time she worked on the proofs because their photos were so much better than ours.

The next thing we knew we were officially in business. We both worked full time jobs, but we dove head first into making the business work. With every wedding, we felt we got better and stronger. Before we knew it, we were talking family. And then remodeling the old shack we lived it. And then Madilynn came along. And man, did life get crazy. Danielle quit her job (she just couldn't leave the baby) and I started racking up 40 hours a week for Hope Photography on top of 40 hours a week at the paper. Something had to give.

Almost three years ago we took a huge leap of faith and I left the newspaper to focus on the business full time. Eighteen months ago, Danielle gave birth to our second terror, I mean angel, Amelia. We haven't looked back for one second. Life just keeps getting crazier and better.

Danielle and I realize that we are both so truly blessed. We get to work with our best friends every day (and yes, we mean each other). We see our girls constantly and have the most active role in their upbringing (which means it's all our faults when they behave poorly). We are our own bosses (she is sooo Michael Scott and I'm Jim Halpert, btw). We have the best clients and friends and family in the world! And we know that we wouldn't be here now if it weren't for you. So to share this love we have, for each other, for our business, and for our relationships with our clients, we wanted to give something back to the wedding world; give one lucky couple a shot at an awesome wedding. Karma can be a beautiful thing... and since we've been blessed, it's our turn to share those blessings with others (and by Karma, I'm talking the Earl Hickey kind, not the Buddha kind). [/Mushiness]

To honor our 10 years of marriage and 10 years of wedding photography, we are giving away a wedding on October 10, 2010. Yep, I know you're quick. That's 10/10/10!

The Details:
We are holding a contest to give away a wedding package consisting of photography, planning, videography, reception lighting, and a bridal bouqet/boutonnière combo. This package can only be applied to a wedding on 10/10/10 and has to be in the Knoxville area. The total value of the package is $7,670!

Who is giving what:
Hope Photography: $3000 photography package that includes two photographers (us), a coffee table book, an online gallery and a proofbook.

One Enchanted Evening: Princess Package including Pre-Wedding services, Day of Wedding services and After Ceremony services. ($2350)

Ambiance Light Design: Color wash and eight uplights ($1500)

Midnight Magic Studios: Video of the ceremony coverage ($655)

Lisa Foster: Bridal Bouquet and groom's boutonnière ($165)

How it will work:
We're going to try to keep this as simple as possible (which means it will be difficult... so pay attention!). Couples will email us with their name and contact information by January 31st.

We will then email them a questionnaire and a link to the official rules. The questionnaire will ask them to share some details about the couple (how they met, how he proposed, etc.).

We will then share those stories on our blog over the following week and a half.

We will open voting up on 2/10/10 by posting a new email address (just for this contest) and letting you all vote on your favorite story. You will be given ONE VOTE PER EMAIL ADDRESS. Danielle and I will keep a tally going until voting closes at 11:59 pm on 2/13/10. We will then announce the winner on 2/14/10!! Sound easy enough? It is (at least on paper)!

Why such a convoluted way of voting? We've seen too many online polls be skewed by people who knew how to skirt the system. While our system is going to be a pain in the booty for us (counting each vote, making sure only one vote per email address), it's the only way we could come up with that would be fair for all the couples who enter.

The Basic Rules (email us if you want see the full list of rules and regulations):
• The entrants CAN NOT be under contract with any other photographer (including Hope Photography), planner, or videographer. The last thing we want to do is take business away from someone else who has already been retained for their services.

• The wedding must take place in the Knoxville area and on October 10, 2010.

• Cheating will not be tolerated! In fact, we'll flog you and torture you with 84 straight hours of ShamWow! commercials if we catch you cheating.

• By entering, couples are granting permission for Hope Photography, and it's partners, to use their names and likenesses to promote this contest.

Ready to Enter?
If you're reading this, then the contest is officially open!! Send your name, phone number and email address to: info@hope-photo.com

Deadline for entries: January 31, 11:59 pm EST (No more entries will be taken after that time.)

Questionnaires will be emailed in batches starting at the end of Day One to all entrants for that day. The sooner questionnaires are returned to Hope Photography, the sooner those entrants will be blogged (and the more people will read your story).

Questions or need more information? info@hope-photo.com or give us a call at 865-977-6483

Not getting married anytime soon or already married? Then pass the word! Everyone knows someone getting married. And if they don't have a photographer lined up already and want to get married on a unique wedding date, then they will love to hear about this contest.

So there you have it! Exciting, huh? And a little bit crazy; we do realize that. But we promise that we will devote as much energy and time to whoever wins this contest as we do our regular clients. We are looking forward to 2010 and have big plans for this to be the best year ever!

-Wes