Bella + Hayden

How did you meet?

We had known each other for most of our freshman year at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, but not very personally. We had several mutual friends, and we were both very involved at the BCM (a Christian student organization) on campus. It wasn’t until September 13 of our sophomore year that we were forced to actually sit down and get to know each other. It was on this day that we found out we were going to be partners in leading a freshman small group at the BCM, called Journey. Us being Journey partners was a VERY last minute decision (long story), but it turned out to be one of the biggest blessings in both of our lives. From September to December, we were able to get to know each other in such a special way. Our friendship was based on weekly Bible studies and investing in our Journey family. As we talked about Jesus and served at the BCM together, the Lord was teaching us so much about each other – even just as friends! Fast forward about a month after Journey ended, and we went to BCM formal together. At this point we were still just friends… but there was definitely some interest from both of us. A very short few days after formal, we got coffee together (at the same coffeeshop we planned our Journey lessons at!) and expressed our interest in each other. That coffee date was the first of many… and it is still one of our favorites! A week later, we spent the sweetest Saturday hanging out with two of our best friends all day, and then went on our first date! Dinner + Whataburger cinnamon rolls + a Walmart puzzle = a great night. Not even a full week later, on February 4, we decided (at Chick-fil-A, of course) that this was a relationship worth pursuing and we officially started dating. Our prayer during this time was for the Lord to show us more and more of Himself every single day. We prayed that every word we said and every thing we did was glorifying and honoring to him.

When did you know they were the one?

t sounds so cliche and cheesy… but I knew Hayden was the man I wanted to marry on our first date! He was the man I had been praying and waiting for. When he talked about his future, his goals, his family, and his desires, they totally lined up with mine. I had never felt so comfortable or confident around someone. I cannot explain how he made me feel that day (and every day since then!) – except by saying that it was the Lord’s perfect timing that brought us together!

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

Hayden is literally perfect and handsome and the best ever! But if I had to decide 3 attributes that I love, it would be his selflessness, caring personality, and love for the Lord. He is selfless, always putting mine and others needs above his own. He is loving, always making sure that I am taken care of and secure. And most of all, he loves the Lord! Hayden desires to glorify Him and make Him known, which is the most attractive thing about him!

Who proposed and how?

Saturday, September 3 was such a sweet day! We had spent the day with Hayden’s family, and had plans for dinner with them that evening. Before we got to dinner, we went for a walk on South Campus at Louisiana Tech to kill some time before our reservation. And Hayden proposed! It was planned perfectly and it was SUCH a surprise! He did good. My family surprised me at the restaurant, and all of our closest friends met us afterwards to PARTY. Our family and friends did the best job making us feel loved, celebrated, and supported. It was so perfect and fun!

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

I found my absolute dream dress at Blue Bridal Boutique in Austin, Texas. My mom, sister, and matron of honor were with me – and it was the perfect day! We spent about an hour trying on so many dresses that I had only imagined getting to put on. My stylist knew exactly what I was looking for, and she brought dresses to me that were all so perfect. I tried on a dozen dresses, and I really did love them all, but there just wasn’t one that really spoke to me until the very last dress. I put it on, zipped it up, and immediately knew. It was my dress. It just was! It was everything I wanted – simple but elegant, and so flattering. When my stylist brought out the pearl veil and bows, it was a done deal. The dress and accessories of my dreams were right in front of me! It was magical!

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

My favorite wedding day moment was dancing with all of our people at the reception! The ceremony was beautiful, seeing my husband for the first time was priceless, the cake was SO good, and the food was yummy, but it was such a blast to let loose and have fun with our favorite people! We danced and laughed and hugged all night. There were no cares in the world, it felt like. All of the stress from 9 months of wedding planning was gone! So many people tell us that our wedding reception was the best they’ve ever been to. I might be a little biased, but I think it was the best wedding ever!

What were your favourite details?

Our wedding party’s outfits were definitely a top detail for me! They all looked so perfect and beautiful! I was also in love with our photographer and videographer! They were able to capture our day so perfectly. At the end of the day, I am a very detailed-oriented person, so every little detail of our wedding was important to me. What flowers we chose, the cake design, the setup of chairs in the reception hall, and even the playlists were all so intentionally planned. I loved every single bit of our wedding day! There were certainly things that may not have gone exactly as planned, but it ended up being the most beautiful and dreamy day of my life!

What advice would you tell other brides?

Put more planning into your marriage than your wedding day! If you’re like me, you want a perfect wedding day – which is so okay! But don’t lose sight of the fact that you are about to be joined together and married! That’s a big deal! At the end of the day, your wedding is only going to be a few hours. Your marriage is going to be a lifetime. Talk through the hard things, be ready for life’s challenges, and plan for when you become husband and wife. Of course your wedding day is important, but not as important as a lifetime of love and joy with your soon-to-be husband!