Hawkins Wedding!

Although their paths didn't officially cross until Spring of 2024, it seems as though there was an invisible string connecting them all along. Shelby attended the University of Central Arkansas with Jody's childhood best friend and Jody attended the University of Arkansas with Shelby's childhood best friend. They shared other mutual friends for many years. They attended countless social events, parties, and game day tailgates where their paths, undoubtedly, came dangerously close to crossing. Each of them grew an awareness of the other. Shared mutual friends turned into accepted friend requests on social media and an exchange of "likes" between them carried on over the years. After college and early adulthood was lived out, they'd kept up with each other distantly through social media posts. One day, in late 2023, while scrolling Facebook, Shelby liked a (few months old) profile photo of Jody in hopes of sending a hint. After several more months, she was convinced the hint was ignored. Then, on February 1st, 2024, an Instagram message from Jody lit up her phone. After a few days of back and forth, a time and place for the first date was set. Jody drove down from NEA for dinner and a drink at Petit & Keet. A couple weeks later, he sent Shelby Valentine's Day flowers and had her favorite snacks delivered to her front doorstep. After a few months of weekend dates and more serious conversations about a future, Jody decided to move back to Benton... and the rest is history! Now, the Bride and Groom's most important request for their wedding is to celebrate with their favorite people. They can't wait to share their day with you in March 2026!