Wedding Day

Sassafras Springs Vineyard

Ceremony

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

I (Rachel) always joke that people should read the fine print of their vehicle paperwork… because sometimes you drive away with more than a car. Sometimes you accidentally get aboyfriend. And if you’re really not paying attention, you end up with a husband.It all started on July 29, 2022. My car was having issues, and my parents were planning to visit the next day to switch vehicles so my dad could take mine to get checked out. While at Brewskis telling my friend about my car, she saw Michael and told me he was a used car salesman at Adventure Subaru and called him over to our table.Michael and I had known of each other. We ran in close circles and had exchanged friendly hellos over the years. I had always thought he was handsome and seemed to have a great personality—which became more apparent once we started chatting about cars. He worked his salesman magic, and I was set on talking to my parents about visiting him the next morning at the dealership, joking with Michael that my mom would hope there was “something” happening between us.Which was confirmed when I texted my mother about wanting to visit “my friend Michael who works at Adventure Subaru,” and she replied, “More importantly, is he single?”The next day I spent hours at the dealership with Michael, where he not only met my parents but also saw my credit score (a very intimate moment)! I walked out as the new owner of a Honda CR-V and with a major crush on Michael.Later that evening, my parents and I had plans to get hot dogs at Yancey’s Dickson Street Dogs. Just as we approached the crosswalk, a car rolled up to the stop sign, and we heard a “Hey, fam!” called out from the window... it was Michael. I invited him to join, and to my pleasant surprise, he did. The four of us spent the next hour or so eating hot dogs and chatting over beers in a booth at Brewskis.After that night, Michael and I continued to spend time with one another. On the third day in a row he said, “I promise I don’t want to see you every day, but… what are you doing tomorrow?” I’ve looked forward to “tomorrow” every day – and we’ve spent only a few days apart since.In October 2023, Michael and I moved in together, which we have found to be mostly easy and always fun. We’ve supported and loved one another through growing our careers, taking care of our fur babies, traveling near and far, attending countless live music events, sharing time with friends and family, and through multiple Chiefs seasons.In January 2025, Michael proposed at the top of the Ek’ Balam temple ruins in Mexico. It was the easiest “yes” of my life. I’ve always been intrigued by ruins and their symbolism – how, despite their brokenness, they stand as monuments to what endures. They serve as precious testaments to the human spirit and resilience against the passage of time. I know that the love Michael and I share will endure in that same way, because it is the foundation of everything we’ve built together.We are looking forward to saying “I do” in the chapel ruins at Sassafras Springs Vineyard on September 6, 2026. We’re so excited to celebrate our love and the life we’re building with the people who have played such an important role in our journey.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Travel

This is one of our favorite places to get drinks! Check out the "Our Story" tab to find out why.

Brewski's Draft Emporium

Enjoy local bands and let loose at these great spots:KINGFISHGEORGE'S MAJESTIC LOUNGE

DRINKS & LIVE MUSIC

For the best craft cocktails in Fayetteville, visit SIDECAR COCKTAIL LOUNGE

COCKTAILS

There are so many delicious places to dine in Fayetteville, here are some of our favorites:HAMMONTREE'S GRILLED CHEESETHEO'SBOCCA ITALIAN EATERY &amp; PIZZERIA

GOOD EATS

Want to experience the great outdoors of Northwest Arkansas? Here's where we recommend:DEVIL'S DEN STATE PARKSILOAM SPRINGS KAYAK PARKBOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE OZARKS

GET OUTSIDE

Just a couple of other fantastic places to visit:CRYSTAL BRIDGESTHE MOMENTARY

Rachel & Michael

Rachel & Michael

Registry