Knoxville Baby Photography - Avery is here!

Hello all! It's been a while since we've had a regular old blog post. Now that all of the excitement has died down a little after the contest, I thought it would be cool to share some fun baby photos of our friends Katelyn and Robbie's little cutie, Avery! (You can see their maternity session here.)

First a few from the hospital right after she was born...

Isn't she lovely?




The new family.

And now a few from a little impromptu three-month session after dinner with the happy family a few weeks ago...

The kiddo is all about the smiles already.




Look at that! Three months and she's already holding that head up like a champ!


Babies always give me the "what for" when I'm photographing them.


This was one of Katelyn's dresses when she was a baby. How sweet is that?




She's so stinking precious!

Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your lives, Katelyn and Robbie! You have a beautiful little gift in Avery. :)

Alrighty gang, just because I've been absent from blogging doesn't mean I've been slacking off… we've been slammed with meetings, I've been catching up on album orders, and we're preparing for an awesome 2010. So stay tuned, I've got a few more blog posts lined up for the next few weeks.

-Wes

Drumroll please...

And the winner of the Perfect 10: 10/10/10 contest is...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
(what for it...)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
(man, I'm mean!)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TARA AND STEVEN!!!

(Tara+Steven's Story)

Congratulations you two!! We really look forward to meeting you and photographing your wedding!!

Again (I just can't say this enough) THANK YOU to everyone who voted for all the couples that entered! We had exactly 1,111 votes!! (It would have really freaked me out if we had had 1,010... maybe 1,111 is a sign we need to do this again next year for our 11th anniversary!)

The bad thing about this contest hit Danielle and I tonight as we were tallying the votes... eight couples didn't win. :( We're super excited for Tara and Steven, but it stinks that everyone couldn't win! After reading all of the stories, we feel like we know you all. But what can we do? That's the nature of a contest, right? But couples, check your email: we are going to offer you a little something for being runners-up as a Thank You for entering!!

And to everyone who voted for Tara and Steven, feel free to leave them some comments below! I'm sure they'd love to hear from you. :)

We are absolutely thrilled that we decided to do this contest and are so thankful that we have been blessed with 10 years of marriage and 10 years of photographing weddings together. It will be an honor and a privilege to give a little back and do something awesome for this cool couple.

Thank you to all that entered and opened up their lives to us. Thank you to every single person that voted. And thank you to all of our "fans" out there that love us. We love you all too!

Wes and Danielle Hope
Hope Photography

ps: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Voting is Closed!!

And that's it! Voting is now closed for our 10/10/10 contest!

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED!! Over 1,100 votes came in for these great couples!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

We will announce the winner tomorrow morning at 10 here on the blog, so make sure you check back then. And now... let the counting begin!

:)

Wes
Hope Photography

Wait, what's this? It's our turn!

Today's the last day you can vote! (To read more about how to vote, the post with the info is located right below this one or you can click HERE.) So far we have received almost 1,000 votes for these awesome couples that have entered our contest! How amazing is that?!? Remember voting ends tonight at 10pm. We won't tally any more votes after that. So keep passing the word around to all your friends and family to vote for your favorite couple!

Since we made all of the couples submit their story to us, we thought it would only be fair if we played along too. We hope you don't mind getting to know us a little better. ;) So meet the beauty and the brains behind Hope Photography... (and I'm not saying who's who)...

Okay, so this is a photo of us from May 2000, a day before our wedding. We call these the "Skinny Years."

**Editors note: We typed up our answers separately for all of the questions. We thought it would be cool to compare notes and see how close we were as I copied and pasted each other's answers on the blog. **

1: How did you two meet one another?

She said: I was working as a receptionist at the Daily Times were Wes was working as a photographer. I noticed him right away because of the red Jeep that he drove, however he would just breeze past the front desk and never speak to me… he didn’t even notice me (or so I thought). Once, I went back to the newsroom to ask him about another photographer who had applied for a job that day who I thought was a cutie and Wes (who was friends with this guy) said, “oh you wouldn’t be interested in him, he is already with someone!" This was a total lie, but it worked to break the ice and Wes started making excuses to get something out of his car every afternoon at the exact same time that I was walking out to leave for the day…it wasn’t long until we were staying after work leaning against our cars talking in the parking lot for hours after work!

He said: She was the hot girl at work who intimidated the bejangles out of me. I never thought I had a chance with her, so I just sort of ignored her. Why cause myself the heartache by getting to know her if we could never happen. One day she came back to my desk and was asking about a "cute" photographer who had interviewed for a job (Hi Brian!) and I made up some horrible lie about him as a joke, but it was enough to get the ball rolling between us. The next think I know we've been married ten years, we have our own business, two bratty kids, and I've gained 75lbs. What. The. Deuce?

2: What is your favorite thing about one another?

She said: My favorite things about Wes are his sense of humor (he can always make me laugh), the way he is ALWAYS there for me when I need him, the way he plays with our girls and the fact that he always lets me put my very cold feet (yeah I have freakishly cold feet) against his legs in bed at night to warm them up even though it totally freezes him.

He said: Gosh, what a toughie. There are SO many things that I love about Danielle that it's hard to pick one. I guess close to the top would be how playful and fun Danielle is. I don't think there is a day that goes by that we don't share a laugh about SOMETHING. The couple that laughs together, stays together in my opinion.

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

She said: (caution- this is tear-jerker material) My most memorable moment together is not necessarily a happy one. In 2007 we were both at the doctors office ready to see our 2nd baby’s heartbeat for the first time on the ultrasound machine and they gave us the horrible news that they couldn’t see one. That moment was the most difficult one that I’ve ever had to endure. We went into the office to speak with the dr. and I was just devastated. Wes took such good care of me. He was by my side as we told our family and Maddie, though thankfully, she was too young to understand and he was by side as I cried myself to sleep for weeks later. He never told me that he understood my pain or that I should let go and move on he simply held me and dried my tears. Every time I think back on that time in our lives, I am saddened by the loss but at the same time, THAT is when I fall in love with Wes all over again!

He said: The births of both of our girls are the most memorable moments for me (again though, we've been together for 10 years... we could write a book of memorable moments!). Danielle did such an amazing job and went through so much that every time I think about each contraction she endured, I knot up inside. For a man to see the woman he loves, the woman he adores and cherishes, in so much pain, it can be soul-crushing. But before you know it, *boom* there's that little miracle. A screaming, pooping, crying miracle at that. The pain is washed away and the joy and love in your heart has grown so much it brings you to your knees. Danielle and I have a blessed bond that can never be broken.

4: What is your ideal date?

She said: I’m not too hard to please, I love food so eating dinner at a great restaurant and then maybe a movie or home to cuddle on the couch (while someone else has the kiddos of course).

He said: Getting away from the girls, the biz, the house and going to Asheville to the North Lodge B&B for a weekend. Sleeping late, eating some great food, and catching a movie or two. Well, I guess that's more of a weekend getaway than just a "date", but whatever. It's my blog, I make the rules.

5: How did the proposal take place?

She said: had been hinting around at a ring for several days and we even went into a jewelry store while we were in the mall one day and I showed Wes the ring that I liked (simple and not too flashy which was great since he was poor as dirt :)

We’d left work one day for lunch when I noticed that he was acting funny…so I guessed. I said something about “you went and got the ring didn’t you?” He immediately began to deny it (which totally tipped me off) and said I was crazy! So I started looking for it throughout the Jeep. He was driving so he couldn’t stop me. I found the box in his camera bag! He felt bad that he didn’t get to do something spectacular as a proposal so he didn’t let me open it until he’d at least pulled the Jeep off of the road. We were actually driving by the greenbelt so he pulled into a parking lot there and got out and came around to my side and I got out. He got down on one knee and officially asked me. To this day, when we meet with our amazing wedding clients and they sometimes tell us their engagement stories, Wes later tells me how he still wishes he could’ve done something like that for me. I, however, am perfectly happy with how it went down…it fits me…I’m not one for liking surprises very much!

He said: Dang snoopy turd. She probably told you about how she snuck through my camera bag while we were on our way back to the paper from lunch and forced me to go ahead and propose to her. Watch she doesn't know is that I was planning on skydiving in Speedos during the half-time of the Superbowl to surprise her with the proposal. But now she, and the world, will never now how awesome that could have been.

6: Favorite movie for each of you and why?

She said: I have WAY too many to name. A few that I would definitely watch over and over again are: 27 Dresses (cheesy I know but I love it), Inglourious Basterds, Playing By Heart, Love Actually and I just saw Fantastic Mr. Fox and loved it too! However, I stand firm to the fact that when applicable, the book is ALWAYS better.

He said: Wow. There is no way I could pick just one. It depends on my mood. I love everything from sci-fi to chick flicks and everything in between. (Yes, that means I cried at both Star Wars and the Notebook). Favorites from the last few months would be Up In the Air and Fantastic Mr. Fox.

7: Where was your 1st kiss?

She said: On the couch in Wes’ apartment after our first date. Wes was SO surprised. I was his first (and last) girlfriend so I was his first kiss!

He said: After our uber-romantic first date to Wendy's and to see "Big Daddy". What can I say... I've got made skillz.

8: Favorite TV show to watch together and why?

She said: We always watch The Office together…it’s absolutely hilarious and having both worked in office settings at some point, we totally get it! We also love How I Met Your Mother…why? Because it’s simply Legen….wait for it…dary!!

He said: That's what she said.

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

She said: Mayfield’s Rocky Road (and it HAS to be Mayfield’s).

He said: Whatever is in my bowl. Preferably with some form of chocolate and neutered (think about it...).

10: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

She said: We were actually just talking about this a few weeks ago in bed one night…we realized that we’ve never really been “planners”…we have always lived in the here and now. However, one thing that we both know will be in 10 years is that if God blesses us with 10 more years of life, we will spend it with one another! We’ll be watching our beautiful little girls grow up and trying to guide them in the right paths. Hopefully our business will be to the point where we can hire some help so that we have more time to spend with one another and with Maddie and Millie! Oh, and it would be nice to be in Italy in 10 years…just because we’ve both always wanted to go so it would just be cool that in 10 years from exactly right now we were there on an amazing vacation!

He said: I plan on being the CEO of Hope Photographic Industries Global. And bald. Danielle will be auditioning for Real Housewives of Blount County. And will be wrapping up her 84th round of plastic surgery. We will have a Bichon Frise named Skipper and drive a customized 30' black hummer that is towing a 60' yacht which is nuclear powered and houses a private jet and a bidet. Madilynn will be almost 15 and begging for a Sweet Sixteen party in Paris. I will have a heart attack when I see the latest bill from ATTerizon for the 4,000,000 texts per day she is sending and receiving. Amelia will wear my Dad's old combat boots, paint her hands black and will lock herself in her room listening to obscure British punk music from 1983...

;)

Actually, I kind of see us doing the same thing we are now... taking life one day at a time. Enjoying watching our girls grow and our business bloom. Maybe by then we'll have things a little more figured out. But right now, we just love life and love each other. And that's all I can ask for.

And I wanted to share one more photo...

We've dug out some of our horrible wedding photos (more on that in a future blog post... they are the reason we became wedding photographers) from 10 years ago as we've started reminiscing about the "good ole days". This is one of the best shots our "professional" photographer got of the two of us together. We're actually in focus and the exposure isn't bad (again, I'm planning a post about those photos in the coming weeks). And I'm not sure, but I think that's a bill of sale I'm holding. ;)

So there you have it. I hope you don't think we're too mushy or silly. That's just us. I've said it before, and it might just become our new slogan, we're just a couple of dorks in love. :)

THANKS SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO HAS VOTED SO FAR. And remember... you have until 10pm tonight to VOTE!!

Wes
Hope Photography

The Polls are Open!!

Alright, a quick review for those who are just catching up... meet our ten nine couples:

Shelley+Brian

Shelley+Brian's Story

Stephanie+Jeremy

Stephanie+Jeremy's Story

Lindsey+Heath

Lindsey+Heath's Story

Janie+George

Janie+George's Story

Shawn+Donna

Shawn+Donna's Story

Tara+Steven

Tara+Steven's Story

Bre+Eddy

Bre+Eddy's Story

Rebecca+Stephen

Rebecca+Stephen's Story

Picked out your favorite? Who do you think should win our 10/10/10 contest? Here's how to vote...

Send an email to contest@hope-photo.com and tell us which couple you're voting for. It's as easy as that! (And don't worry, we're not harvesting email addresses to sell to spammers, nor we will spam you. We don't even know how to open a can of Spam let alone spam people.)

There is one big rule though, only ONE VOTE PER EMAIL ADDRESS. And we will be checking so don't try to be tricky!

Voting will end February 13th, 2010 at 10:00 PM (EST). No more votes will be counted after then.

After Danielle tallies all the votes (what? You think I'm doing the counting? I've been the one doing all these blog posts... it's her turn to work!) we will announce the winner Sunday, February 14th at 10:00 AM. And then, well, I guess we'll be shooting a wedding on October 10th. :)

Wes
Hope Photography

Meet Rebecca+Stephen

And last, but not least, Rebecca and Stephen's story (stay tuned at the end of the post for info on voting)!


1: How did you two meet one another?

I had a friend in school at the TN School of Technology in Knoxville.  One night in August 2008, I went to see a race at the Tazewell Speedway.  There, we meet up with my friend’s buddies from Union County.  One of them was a beautiful young lady named Rebecca Miller.  One smile from her and I was smitten.  This was the beginning of a “long distance” relationship between Union County and Blount County that continues to this day.

2: What is your favorite thing about one another?

Stephen’s favorite thing about Rebecca is her smile and her easy nature.  Rebecca says her favorite thing about Stephen is his personality.  He is so sweet and polite.

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

We attended the wedding of Stephen’s cousin in September 2009.  The wedding was our first formal affair with his family that we had attended together.  We dressed in our very best and had the greatest time dancing the night away.  Stephen caught the garter when the groom tossed it and waved it at Rebecca.

4: What is your ideal date?

We enjoy outdoor activities.  An ideal date would be getting together to see a race and then grabbing a quick bite to eat.  It is going for a long walk in the woods and talking about the future.  The ideal date is any chance to get to spend time together.

5: How did the proposal take place?

As our relationship has developed so has our love for one another continued to grow. What started with the simple insertion into a conversation such as “if we get married ...” or “when we get married …” is now “My mom saw this article in the newspaper for a wedding contest if we get married on 10-10-10”. And she said, “Yes”.

6: Favorite movie for each of you and why?

A movie series that we both consider our favorite is Twilight.  Rebecca enjoys reading the books in the series and I like to wait for the movies. We like how the movies are different then the usual thriller.  They combine suspense, romance and friendship in a compelling movie.

7: Where was your 1st kiss?

After our second date, again a race at the Tazewell Speedway, we shared our first kiss on Rebecca’s front porch when I was dropping her off at home.  Our life together had begun.

8: Favorite TV show to watch together and why?

Since we are usually at Rebecca’s house watching her TV, we like to watch TLC’s Trauma, Life in the ER.  Rebecca is going to attend school to be a RN and she loves to watch this show.  I love to watch what she likes to watch.

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

Stephen’s favorite flavor of ice cream is Cookies & Crème.  Rebecca loves to eat Snicker’s Ice Cream.

10: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

I see myself in 10 years married to Rebecca and working as a Diesel Mechanic for a large trucking company.  Rebecca sees herself married to me and working as a Registered Nurse at a local hospital.  We hope to have three children, two dogs and one cat.  We see ourselves owning our own property where we can have a home and plenty of space for horses.

Thanks for sharing Rebecca and Stephen!

Okay, here's the deal folks. Come back TONIGHT at 10PM for instructions to vote. Basically, there will be an email address that we will reveal and you will be allowed to vote once per email address. So watch for the blog post at 10 (or if it's past your bedtime, check the blog first thing in the morning Thursday)!

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
Couple Eight: Bre+Eddy
Couple Nine: Alexis+Corey



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

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