We met at church when we were still in high school. We became best friends and were too afraid to tell each other we liked each other until 2 weeks before Jason left for boot camp. Then Jason went into the Marines for 4 years, while Amy finished high school. Amy graduated and started school at Jeff St., and then September 11th happened. Jason got called back to the Marines for 6 more months and had to go to Virginia for homeland security.
Amy continued school and transferred to UAB to pursue her degree in school counseling. Jason finally left the Marines for good and pursued his school career at UAB in criminal justice. We both wanted to be finished with school before we got married and now we finally are. Jason went from being a manager at Hat World, to working at EB Games, to a UAB graduate, to a corrections officer, and is now a police officer for the city of Hoover. Amy graduates right before the wedding and hopes to get a job at an elementary or middle school in the fall. Amy has done everything from worked as a receptionist at a car dealership, sold tickets at concerts, been a monster at a haunted house, and is now a receptionist at a veterinary clinic while finishing up her school counseling internship.
We wanted to send a special thanks to Jason's parents for all they have done for us. (especially their generous contribution to the honeymoon expenses).
We also wanted to send a special thanks to Amy's parents for all they have done for us. (wedding planning and their generous contribution to the wedding expenses).
We are both so happy to have so many friends and family that have supported us through the years. Without all the positive influences, financial (especially) and emotional support we could not have come this far. We've waited forever, and now we're finally getting married!!
The wedding is May 10, 2008 at 4:00 pm..Amy has wanted an outside wedding ever since she was a little girl. She went to her Aunt Beth and Uncle James wedding in Atlanta at a historic home. They had a big outside wedding and reception complete with a dj and dancing. That was the first time Amy had ever been to a wedding like that. Aunt Helen always had her parties in her backyard and then it really inspired her even more.
Why did we choose Amy's dad's house? There were a couple of local venues that Amy looked into that were quite expensive. Then one day it just hit her- Why not have it at my dad's house? His house had been featured in the Birmingham News. People always just go so crazy over it. They love the view he has of the mountains and all of the antiques he has acquired. It is just such an amazing house. Plus, since Dad has worked so hard on it all these years, what an honor to have it there!
Jason of course agreed that it was a good idea, so that is how we decided to have it at my dad's house a.k.a. Chandler Falls Farm, on Chandler Mountain in Steele, AL. We are going to get married outside on top of the mountain on the deck that Amy's dad built for us.
THE WEDDING PARTY:
Jason's: Best Man- his Dad, Groomsmen- Jeff, his brother-in-law, Jason, Amy's brother-in-law, Scott, his childhood best friend, and his junior groomsman is Blake, his nephew.
Jason wanted his closest family members and friends to be a part of the wedding. He and his dad have always been very close and he also has a great relationship with Jeff. Jason is almost family and they always have a great time together. Blake and Jason have always shared a special uncle-nephew bond.
Amy's: Matron of Honor- Angie, her oldest sister, Maid of Honor- Kristi, her older sister
Bridesmaids- Brittany, her best friend, Kim, Jason's youngest sister, and Stacey, Jason's oldest sister
Amy wanted her sisters and best friend to be a part of the wedding. Sisters share such a special bond. Angie and Kristi have always been there for Amy and they have been through so much together- good times and bad. Amy has known Kim and Stacey for about 11 years and feels like they are already her sisters. She feels so lucky to have 4 sisters. Brittany has been Amy's best friend for over 14 years and they are very close. Amy does not know what she would do without such a great friend. She feels she chose the best girls she knows. (thanks to all of you for putting up with me! :)
Where better to have the reception than the site of all 4 Ardfests? Amy's dad built a barn complete with a stage and an area perfect for a dance floor. There is so much land and sight-seeing that it will not be difficult to entertain the guests. They can walk down and check out the waterfall or just go to the back of the house and admire the view from the tree swing. We hope everyone enjoys the party we've planned.
Any guests travelling from out of town should probably stay in Birmingham if they are flying in. Birmingham is about 30 miles away. Gadsden is the closest big city- it's 12 miles away. However, it is out of the way from the airport. We recommend all driving guests to probably stay in Gadsden since it is so close. For anyone who is interested, there is a bed and breakfast about 12 miles away in Ashville that Amy's dad has contacted. They have rooms available. Anyone feeling really adventerous can take advantage of the log cabins and go camping at Horse Pens 40. That's only 2 miles away. Just contact Amy if you have any questions. (miss_ard@yahoo.com)
We are so excited that we have such great family and friends to share our special day with us. We have worked so hard to make sure that we have all the plans in order so everyone will have a great time. Thanks for always being there!
