Scouting is Fun!
/Strong and growing, Texarkana’s Caddo Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, continues to be a model organization
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Strong and growing, Texarkana’s Caddo Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, continues to be a model organization
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Bob Murray and his daughter, Kayla Wood, are proof that the family that works, plays, and prays together … stays together!
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A Holocaust survivor, Alexandra Goode has seen many things in her lifetime and praises God for placing her where she needed to be.
Read MoreFriends, Cassidy Lavender and Jordan Thornton, created Lavender Thorne to offer safe and effective quality products
Read MoreWhile working together, Virginia Ann Prazak and her father, Steve Raffaelli, recognize the benefits from each other’s strengths
Read MoreThree Chicks’ Dee Dee Rogers, Angie Watson, and Julie Miller have unique personalities that come together to make a solid team
Read MoreJeannie Knod Edwards to serve as this year’s Party with Picassos Signature Artist
Read MoreAs a high school teacher and owner of ColorHype TXK, Shea Phillips’ goal is to impact the community through art
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Father/daughter duo, Rick Boyette and Nicole Wilson, enjoy working together and continuing their family’s legacy
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Debbie and Roger Sheppard reflect on their relationship, athletic endeavors and business ventures
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A shared love of history brought Drs. Tom and Emily Cutrer together and continues to be an important part of their amazing bond.
Read MoreDr. Stacey and Ben Hendershott share a love of animals, their clients, veterinary medicine, and each other.
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Dr. Amy Leigh Overton-McCoy has a passion for taking care of others and helping people in need.
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October 26, 2019 - Texarkana, AR
First Presbyterian Church
Kendall Dockery Photography
THE DATING GAME
Brooks and I met while attending Pleasant Grove High School when we were just 17 years old. We dated throughout high school and college where we both attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. We have been best friends for a long time, and we were so happy to join both of our families together to celebrate the beginning of our marriage.
WITH THIS RING
We got engaged at one of our favorite restaurants in town. Brooks made me an engagement ring out of a paper clip and took me to the jewelry store the next day. It was perfect!
GENERATIONS OF LOVE
My parents got married at First Presbyterian Church and had a reception at Texarkana Country Club. We love that we were able to have our special day in a place that holds such great memories.
THE SPECIAL DAY
Our reception was everything we wanted and more. Great music, food and tons of dancing! We both have big families, so it was really nice to have everyone together to celebrate.
EAT, DRINK, AND BE MARRIED
Brooks didn’t get a huge say in a lot of the wedding planning, but I did let him pick the entire menu of food, and it ended up being a huge hit! He chose mac and cheese, chicken tenders, burger sliders, quesadillas, and queso and chips. The menu was definitely kid-friendly!
EVERLASTING LOVE
We are so thankful for everyone who made our special day possible. We can’t wait to make many more memories together as a family!
Wedding Venue: First Presbyterian Church
Reception: Texarkana Country Club
Cake Designer: Brianna James
Florist: Persnickety Too
Caterer: Texarkana Country Club
Photographer: Kendall Dockery Photography
Rentals: Dot’s Rentals and AM Linen Rental
Deejay: Wes Spicher
Jeweler: Crocker’s Jewelers
October 12, 2019 - Texarkana, TX
Central Christian Church
Kendal Dockery Photography
THE PERFECT FOUNDATION
Michael and I both grew up in Texarkana and attended Pleasant Grove. We had always been friends, but Michael reached out my last year at UNT and charmed me with his humor. We became best friends and realized quickly that our friendship was the perfect foundation for a lasting relationship. We dated long distance as I attended grad school, and he began his career in IT recruiting. We knew if we were giving this relationship a go, it was for the long haul.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
After over four years together, Michael proposed in his apartment in Dallas. He had the entire living room covered in tealight candles, balloons and Christmas lights. He got down on one knee, and I said, “Yes!” Then he surprised me with all of our family and friends at our long-standing date spot, Terelli’s, for an evening of celebrating under the stars!
BACK TO OUR ROOTS
We knew our wedding would be in Texarkana as our roots are here. We chose to get married in the church in which my parents also wed. Accompanied by a trio of musicians led by Marc-André Bougie, our guests filled the sanctuary and balcony and watched as we became husband and wife. I cried the entire time (no shock if you know me) listening to our love letters that we had been writing for years knowing this day would eventually come. The ceremony was perfect, intimate and full of joy.
A TIME OF CELEBRATION
I planned our wedding and reception from the ground up with no real “wedding planner” other than my ideas and parents to bounce the ideas off of. We were a true team and managed to pull off a night that reflected mine and Michael’s personalities but also full of surprises that made our guests feel special. I think weddings should be a celebration, after all!
TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER
We added a raw oyster bar, shucked to order on the half shell, a live painter who painted a progressive watercolor painting as the night went on (which Michael and I now have featured in our home), and a food spread unlike any other featuring gourmet crab claws stuffed in artichokes, boiled shrimp, crawfish étouffée, and endless charcuterie. I had always envisioned a large statement piece behind the band, and my Dad drew up the plans to create a custom boxwood wall to flank the stage. We built the piece by hand the week of the wedding, and it turned out to be amazing!
Wedding Venue: Central Christian Church
Reception: Arkansas Convention Center
Cake: Heavenly Sweets and Interior Treats
Florist: Chery Birchfield – friend of the bride
Caterer: John Cariere
Photographer: Kendal Dockery Photography
Videographer: Company N Films
Rentals: Dot’s Rentals and Encore Event Rentals
Band: The Caravan Band
Jeweler: Gray’s Jewelers
Honeymoon: Barbados
September 28, 2019 - New Orleans, LA
The Cabildo Museum
Mike Trammel - Eston Photography
MEANT TO BE
Ian and I met while living in Washington, D.C. Prior to meeting, we had grown up within hours of each other. We both went to LSU in different years, and one of my best friends was the youngest brother of one of Ian’s best friends.
TRAVELING THE WORLD TOGETHER
When we met, I was anxious to leave D.C. in favor of traveling all over the world, and Ian had been doing exactly that for years. So, we decided to live abroad and spent three months living in Barcelona and traveling all over Europe. After we got back we moved to Portland, Oregon, and adopted our beloved dog, “Roux.”
THE START OF FOREVER
We’ve continued moving since then thanks to the Army (Ian is an attorney in the Army), but knew we wanted to get married somewhere that truly felt like home to us. So, we chose New Orleans.
FUN IN “THE BIG EASY”
Because we knew our guests were coming from all over, we wanted to give them a true New Orleans experience. We chose The Cabildo Museum in Jackson Square where the Louisiana Purchase was signed. We loved that our guests could explore the museum.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS
We incorporated some of our favorite things into our wedding – heirloom rings from our families, New Orleans pralines, signature cocktails (French 75 and Moscow Mules), a few favorite microbrews and a groom’s cheese instead of a groom’s cake.
Wedding Venue: The Cabildo Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana
Reception: The Cabildo Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana
Cake: Gambino’s Bakery
Florist: Bloominous Wedding Flowers
Caterer: Food Art, Inc.
Photography: Mike Trammel at Eston Photography
Rentals: Food Art, Inc.
Deejay: Toast Entertainment
Jeweler: Malka Diamonds
Bride’s Dress: Gracyn Elizabeth Bridals
Hair: Samantha Whitlow Stokes at The Beauty BARR
Makeup: Aimee Pearson at The Beauty BARR
Honeymoon: Argentina (Bariloche, El Calafate and Buenos Aires)
May 25, 2019 - Hooks, TX
Ramage Farms
Photographer – Blueberry Hill Studios
THE DATING SCENE
I grew up in Texarkana and went to Texas High School while Nathan grew up in Hooks and attended Hooks High School. We started dating our junior year and after graduation, moved to Conway for college at UCA.
SHE SAID “YES!”
After five years of dating, on September 30, Nathan proposed to me in Little Rock. He told me we were going to a networking lunch for his Law School, but instead we pulled up to a gorgeous gazebo at Wildwood Park for the Arts. He made everything so special with roses, a photo book he made, a letter and our family there to celebrate.
FROM THIS DAY FORWARD
After seeing Ramage Farms, we immediately fell in love with the venue and knew that was where we wanted to get married and have our reception. We got married May 25 surrounded by our closest friends and family. It truly was the best day ever.
HONEYMOON HEAVEN
We honeymooned in Waikiki, Hawaii, and his parents must love us a ton because they flew us both ways first class!
WALK THROUGH LIFE
Being married has been nothing but a blessing for us. We are absolutely loving this season of life and are excited for what is to come.
Wedding Venue: Ramage Farms
Reception: Ramage Farms
Decorator: Erica Ramage - Bella Roo
Cake Designer: Sugar Mill Bakery & Events
Florist: Sam’s Club
Caterer: Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Photographer: Blueberry Hill Studios
Videographer: Eric Ethridge - Eric’s Xtreme Video
Deejay: Wes Spicher
Jeweler: Jared®
Honeymoon: Waikiki, Hawaii
March 10, 2019 - Fort Worth, TX
The Historic Ashton Hotel in Sundance Square
Collin and Tennessee Hauser – Hauser Photography
ONE STEP CLOSER
We met as freshmen at UNT in our coed dorm. On Valentine’s Day 2015, Ryan gave me a dictionary with a word highlighted on every page that reminded him of me. On page 80, the word “girlfriend” was highlighted! In August 2018, Ryan planned a sentimental tour of UNT camps and arranged a private tour of the administration building. When we entered, the staircase was covered with candles and rose petals leading up to the dictionary with the word “wife” highlighted.
A CUSTOM-MADE GOWN
My Chi Omega sorority sister, Elizabeth Lease, has made a big name for herself as a wedding dress designer. When I became engaged, she was the first person I contacted for plans. We designed my dress together, and Elizabeth custom made it for me. I was so honored to wear her special gown!
FLOWERS AND FRIENDSHIP
I am an art and floral design high school teacher in Saginaw, Texas. During our engagement, my students got so excited and asked to help design our wedding florals. For our big day, several students set up our altar and reception florals.
A HISTORICAL VENUE
Fort Worth is close to home for Ryan who grew up in North Richland Hills. When we found the historical Ashton Hotel in Sundance Square, we fell in love with its charm. We had so much fun hosting our friends and family in this vibrant downtown location.
OUR SPECIAL DAY
During our ceremony, our parents and grandparents joined us at the altar and encircled us in prayer, and longtime family friend, Hannah Deitrick, was our soloist. At the reception, my sister, Natalie, and Ryan’s brother, Brandon, gave us special toasts.
Wedding Venue: The Historic Ashton Hotel in Sundance Square
Reception: The Historic Ashton Hotel in Sundance Square
Cake: Spiral Diner
Florist: Blossoms on The Bricks and Katy Beth’s high school floral design students and family members
Caterer: The Ashton Hotel
Photographer: Collin and Tennessee Hauser – Hauser Photography
Videographer: PRNVC Videography
Rentals: Taylor’s Rentals
Band: Trey and the Tritones and family friend, Hannah Deitrick
Jeweler: Designs by Flora
Honeymoon: Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic