Wedding Day

Sister Grove Farm

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner

Reception

Our Wedding

Maddie’s POV: Let me set the scene - it’s November 2023, I am (seemingly) the only person in the world who is still single, and I have resorted to Hinge. On my journey to find love, I had the opportunity to interact with lots of… interesting characters. To say I was crestfallen and slightly pessimistic during this time would be an understatement. And then, voila, out of nowhere appeared the one and only JB Bryant (and by appeared, I mean a picture of him popped up on my Hinge). I can’t say it was love at first sight, per se, but I can say within 2-3 messages I knew JB was very different than any other interaction I had previously had on the app. Our conversations started as, “What are some of your interests?”, “What’s your favorite type of food?”, and they quickly turned to discussions on theological systems, core values, and sharing with each other our visions and dreams for the future. I was enamored with JB immediately, and I think I knew even before we met that I could picture my life with him. Going into our first date I was giddy with excitement. I think I may have actually jumped up and down when I saw JB walking toward me and realized he didn’t lie about his height! We shared a delicious meal at Sweetie Pies Ribeyes in Denison, TX. As our meal concluded, I remember feeling like I just wanted to spend more and more time with this man. If you know JB, you know that it was outrageous and completely out of character that he asked if I wanted to continue our date by going to a park down the street (this man won’t be caught dead an hour away from home late into the afternoon on a Sunday). We spent the entire afternoon talking and learning about each other, and I knew by the end of that date that I would marry him. I know that sounds crazy, but in my heart I was so sure that God specifically made me for JB and JB for me. The last year and a half of dating and engagement has further proven that JB is, without a doubt, my one, true love. We have shared some very beautiful times (seeing friends get married, celebrating birthdays and holidays, spending time with our families) and some very difficult times (navigating the death of our kitten Wednesday, having to scramble to find a new car after my car broke down unexpectedly, struggling with work/life balance and mental health), and through everything JB has been my rock. He is so steady, strong, and kind. I love seeing the life we are building together, and it will be the honor of my life to be his wife. I can’t wait to marry you, my handsome man! JB’s POV: It started where most fairytale love stories start; on the App store. I never thought much of dating apps, but living in rural Texas I realized they were a bit of a necessity. One day, the cutest blonde girl and I “match” and we strike up a conversation. Within just a handful of messages I found myself becoming absolutely enamored with her. She was smart, witty, kind, and had one of the deepest faiths I’d encountered. Within a couple of weeks of talking we were divulging some of our deepest hurts and insecurities and our wildest dreams and ambitions. We discussed faith, theology, and philosophy and I have never had more fun being disagreed with! Within the first month, I was having to take actively conscious efforts to not tell this girl, “I’m in love with you,” and sound like a madman because of how early on it was still. Finally we met for our first date in person at Sweetiepie’s Ribeye’s in Decatur. Maddie was so beautiful and charismatic and fun! Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a small capacity for socializing (the irony of this and being a Pastor is hilarious, I know). But on this first date, I couldn’t help but try my hardest to extend the time together as much as I could. I recommended walking across the street to get a coffee, but when that was almost over I recommended a park down the road where we could go for a walk together. Before I knew it, the sun was going down and we had spent nearly the whole day together just talking. I knew I was in love when I got back in my truck and couldn’t wait more than 10 minutes before I texted her, “I miss you.” Maddie and I have spent the last year of our lives continuing to realize just how in love we truly are. We are each others safe space, each others biggest cheerleaders, and each others biggest motivators. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t find myself wanting to work that much harder, whether for my job or on myself, because I want to make her proud and be better for her. She encourages my ministry, strengthens my faith, and teaches me what an unconditional love can look and feel like. We are soulmates, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her, building a family with my best friend.

The Story of Us

Our Story

Photos

Mackenzie is my baby sister and built-in best friend! I got to stand as her Maid of Honor in her wedding, and I can’t wait for her to stand next to me!

Mackenzie Parks

I met Genesis when I lived in San Antonio, and we quickly became best friends. We have been through so much together, and I’m so grateful for our friendship!

Genesis

Marison was one of my college roommates. She’s like a sister to me, and I love that no matter how long we go without talking that she will always be one of my best friends!

Marison

Ellen was another one of my college roommates and is my kindred spirit. She knows how to make everyone laugh hysterically but can also gives the BEST advice!

Ellen

I met KJ right after I moved back to Wichita Falls. They are one of my favorite people of all time!!! They have the biggest heart and are the wittiest person in the room 110% of the time!

Cassidy is my future sister in law and current bestie. She is a master chef, fashion icon, and the best SIL I could have prayed for! 

Maddie & Jonathan

Maddie & Jonathan

Wedding Party