Caspiana Plantation House

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

COVID Couple!

I moved to Shreveport, LA for an exciting job opportunity, and just four months later—bam—COVID hit and everything started shutting down. Suddenly I was working from home, and my girlfriends finally talked me into making a dating profile. That’s when Josh (JB) and I matched on Bumble.Now, JB loves to remind people that I made the first move. 😂 But hey—that's how Bumble works! The girl has to message first, so I had no choice! (Honestly, not a bad setup...keeps the creeps at bay, LOL.)Not long after we matched, the TX/LA state line was about to close. I panicked a little—didn’t know many people in Louisiana yet—and thankfully my boss let me work remotely from my parents' house, since everything was shut down anyway. During that time, JB and I kept chatting and started tossing around the idea of meeting up.Since the only things open were outdoor spaces, I found the East Texas Arboretum in Athens, TX—a perfect halfway spot between Midlothian and Carthage.Our first date? A walk around the cutest little arboretum—over the bridge, through the trails—and then a classy lunch at the Schlotzsky’s drive-thru, eaten inside his truck. Romantic, right? 😂Y’all, I was not about to be unprepared. I sent my sister Paige and my BFF Taylor every screenshot I could—his truck, his face, his social media, AND my location, plus where we were meeting. Safety first!As we were walking back to the truck, I was texting my sister…and JB totally saw. He saw the pics I’d sent and asked, “Uhhh… is that my profile??” I panicked and blurted out, “No… yes. LOL.” I was mortified—but luckily, we just laughed it off and kept walking.After our date, we each headed home—but he texted me before I even made it back. And honestly? The rest is history.We never would've guessed we’d meet our soulmates on a dating app…but here we are. ❤️COVID was a wild time, y’all.

Our Story

Photos

Little sister of the bride- built in best friend. She has been there for her since day one. She’s always ready to grab iced coffee and take her on an adventure especially anything spooky or strange in the paranormal community. This girl keeps the bride grounded and rational. They have shared all of life's big moments together. 
The bride knows she’s the only person who is her other half- her soul sister. She’s the ice to the brides fiery soul. 

Paige Soto

Dog park strangers to college roommates and SFA graduates their journey began. Leave it up to their dogs, Thor and Khloee, to bring them together at the apartment dog park. From long night study sessions and mental breakdowns to early mornings coming in from the dance hall, there’s nothing she hasn’t been there for the bride. Ride or die is an understatement when it comes to their friendship. 

Taylor Maynard

From third grade besties, to giving the bride her now 22yr old cat, 'Pepper', she has been there for it all. Awkward “scene kid” phases, introduction to the Harry Potter world, haunted houses and all time favorite scary movie nights almost every Friday night from middle school through high school, there’s not much she hasn’t done with the bride that’s not considered scary or weird. Always and forever to the bride as Swebbyyy.

Stephanie Weber

 Started out as second grade besties and the rest of their story is history. From playing horses and attending horse camp during the summers, long days at the lake, and early mornings coming in from two stepping, these two always shared the same enthusiasm for fun! This friendship has made it through all Meghan's travel nurse days and her hubby's Airforce assignments. This couple inspired the bride to give the dating app, Bumbe, a try, since that's how they met too!



Meghan Denton

Soon to be sister-in-law to the bride and life of the party. With her charming smile and positive energy she’s a perfect addition to the brides vibe. From skipping first period with her brothers in high school, a caring oldest sister….at times LOL, to now loving mama, and always being there for her family and friends when needed, she’ll be there through it all. 
  “ She also can throw a punch like a man ” -Josh, Groom and brother LOL

Payton Caldwell

A little sugar, spice and everything nice is the perfect recipe God chose to create these two sisters. The cutest flower girls, and daughter of bridesmaid and bestie, Taylor Maynard. 

Blair & Briar Maynard

Tuff started as the groom’s best friend and quickly became like a brother. He’s been there through every season of life, and when Tuff’s family welcomed the groom into their home in 8th grade, they’ve treated him like one of their own ever since. Back in the day, their house was the ultimate hangout spot—pool days, basketball, video games, and side-by-side rides made for the perfect after-school adventures. Always ready with a sarcastic joke or a good laugh, Tuff keeps life fun and full of memories.

Tuff Mannor

Ryan and the groom met on the softball field, and their friendship has been a home run ever since. Whether they’re hitting the diamond or battling it out in video games, Ryan is always up for some fun. One memorable Valentine’s Day, he sent the groom a very “unique” chocolate gift—proof that Ryan’s sense of humor is as strong as his swing. Always ready for a laugh, Ryan keeps the good times rolling.

Ryan McGee

Slate has been friends with the groom since middle school, which means he’s seen just about everything through the years. The two can often be found thermaling, golfing or out duck hunting, but one of the most unforgettable memories was when a cow kicked the groom and knocked him out cold. When he finally came to, he woke up with his head in Slate’s lap—loyal friend, emergency nurse, and comic relief all in one. No matter what, Slate has always been there for the groom.

Slate Crooks

Caleb was first introduced to the groom by their buddy Slate, and they’ve been great friends ever since. From thermaling for hogs and golfing to grilling out and watching UFC fights, Caleb is always up for an adventure. He’s also the guy you want around in a pinch—like the time he had to pull the groom out of a ditch. Loyal, dependable, and always down for a good time, Caleb is a true friend through and through.

Caleb Lenox

Nick and the groom first met through their mutual friend Caleb, and the rest is history. Whether they’re playing video games, out on the golf course or thermaling, these two are always up for a good time. One of the funniest memories? The day Nick accidentally crashed his golf cart into the groom’s parked truck — thankfully, everyone laughed. He’s been a steady friend and a guaranteed source of laughs ever since.

Nick Buell

Bryce, the groom’s nephew, may be small, but he’s full of personality! When he’s not hitting home runs in little league or building victories in Fortnite, he’s busy roasting anyone who crosses his path—with a smile, of course. Takes after his mama, bridesmaid Payton. Cute, clever, and full of energy, Bryce is sure to steal the show (and the hearts) on the big day.

Bryce DuBois

Rickey is a true family man who’s been like part of the bride’s family since her senior year of high school, back when she showed her steer with the Midlothian FFA. He and the bride’s dad are best friends who enjoy working cows and fishing together. A kind, Godly man full of wisdom and always ready with a helping hand, Rickey welcomed the groom with open arms the moment they met. He’s a steady presence, a wealth of knowledge, and someone everyone knows they can count on.

Rickey Kelly

The Parents

Shae and Brandy Mannor, from Carthage, Texas, are the proud parents of the groom, Josh. Known for their quick humor and kind hearts, they have a way of lifting up anyone who crosses their path. Their home has always been a safe place for those who needed it—and that’s exactly how Josh found himself there with his best friend Tuff and, as the story goes, he never really went home. From that point on, Shae and Brandy raised him as their own, always there to support and encourage him through every season of life. Family-oriented and always up for an adventure, you can often find them hunting, fishing, camping, or riding around on their side by side.

Shae & Brandy Mannor

Jerry and Lisa Soto, from Midlothian, Texas, are the proud parents of the bride, Payton. High school sweethearts and deeply family-oriented, they’ve built their life around love, hard work, and raising their two daughters. As the oldest, Payton has always admired her parents’ selflessness and dependability, along with the lessons they instilled in their girls—respect, determination, dreaming big, and working hard. They also embraced Payton’s love for animals—supporting every critter she wanted to bring home and making it possible for her to show with the Midlothian FFA.  Known for their big hearts and constant willingness to lend a helping hand, Jerry and Lisa are truly the heart of the family.

Jerry & Lisa Soto  

Wedding Party

Text the Bride if you have any other questions   817-235-7088

Q + A

The newest casino and hotel in town on the Red River! A singe level casino floor, nice big pool and restaurant's inside. PBR bar also inside casino area. Only 30 minutes from wedding venue, Caspiana Plantation House. Very central location to other restaurants and shopping. This is where the bride and groom will be staying after the wedding.* Here is our Live Casino link to get a discount rate for the wedding!! *<a href="https://book.passkey.com/e/51115916" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://book.passkey.com/e/51115916</a>

Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana

Very convenient location, it sits right on the Red River, so perfect river view! Lots of parking. Single level casino and restaurants make it easy to walk around. It's also located on the boardwalk, which has restaurants and some shopping!Bass Pro Shop and a new place called Chasing Aces is right next door. Chasing Aces has golf, games and batting bays.

Margaritaville Resort Casino

This hotel is NOT a casino.Located in a very convenient part of town. Youree Drive has lots of food options and shopping! Only 15 minutes to casinos. Just 20 minutes to wedding venue, the Caspiana Plantation House.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Shreveport

PLEASE before you book, send me the link so I can make sure you are in a good area!!

Airbnb and Vrbo options are around!

Do NOT walk around downtown or explore outside after dark!

Travel

A timeless Southern fairytale setting for our happily ever after!

Built in 1856 and lovingly preserved through time, the Caspiana House feels like a Southern fairytale. With sweeping porches and timeless charm, it's a place where history and romance meet - steeped in history, and now blooming with joy as our story of forever begins.

Payton + Josh

Payton + Josh

The Venue

Caspiana Plantation House