Alyssa and Joseph met in middle school and began dating in 7th grade(!). Although they were only as serious as preteens could be about dating, they began what would evolve into two best friends falling in love. Years later in October 2013, Alyssa and Joe were married in the small town where they grew up together.
We are so excited to celebrate Alyssa and Joseph as they renew their vows at The Big Fake Wedding Raleigh tomorrow night at 214 Martin Street. We hope to see you there!
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What was the most unique part of your engagement story?
Joe proposed to me at the middle school we attended. My best friend, Sydney, told me a series of lies that I readily believed to get me to the spot. He set up this sweet display (like Pinterest swoon worthy- I was very impressed) and I read 10 letters he wrote me each describing why he wanted to marry me. When I was done reading the letters, he walked out from where ever he was hiding and a lot of crying happen, then he asked me to marry him!
What is the most awesome thing about your marriage?
From her: Getting to hang out with your best friend every day is pretty awesome. While marriage is a lot more than one ultimate slumber party with your bestie, it is so much fun getting to do life hand-in-hand. I was convinced that I knew everything there was to know about Joe, but being married shows me new reasons why I love him daily. The way he leads us in marriage is my most treasured prize; although, never saying “goodnight”, and having a built-in lazy night partner are added perks.
From him: The most awesome thing about our marriage I get to spend everyday with my woman and we get to build our own family.
What inspires you about each other?
From her: I am so inspired by Joe’s work ethic. He works so hard for our little family and never complains. When we first got married, I was receiving a stipend from grad school and overwhelmed by student teaching, but Joe worked two jobs to ensure I could focus. In this season, Joe currently works night-shift (fingers crossed that changes in the very near future). His hard work serves as the most beautiful reminder that he will constantly support and protect me even in the valleys.
From him: Something that inspires me about my wife is the love she has for others.
What advice would you give an engaged couple?
We opted for a very short engagement, but even in that short time I felt the stresses of being a perfectionist bride-to-be. I created immaculate Pinterest boards and DIYed until my fingers felt permanently hot glued together, but our wedding day came and went in the blink of an eye. It was perfect to us, but after we left the reception we were married and that is a lifetime commitment. Joe and I were diligent about finding a gospel- centered premarital counseling program. We invested time into asking the hard questions, praying, and thinking about expectations. I encourage engaged couples to do something similar. Your wedding day, while exciting, is only a glimpse of the forever you are about to embark in together. Be conscious in honoring your marriage even during your engagement by prioritizing the important stuff over what color tulle you choose.
Photo Credit:
Lillian Grace Images
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The Big Fake Wedding Raleigh is completely SOLD OUT! If you missed out, we invite you to join us at another one of our events – check out the rest of our 2015 schedule here.
