Engaged: Malorie and Jon

Meet Malorie and Jon! 

They will be getting hitched in Springfield, Missouri in July!

1. How did the two of you meet and how long have you been together?

We originally met in college at Drury University, on the Sigma Pi patio.  We had a lot of mutual friends in college, but we never dated, or went to any fraternity or sorority dances together!  It wasn’t until several years later, that a mutual friend of ours had dinner with Malorie, and told her that Jon was moving to Bentonville, AR.  At this time Malorie was living in Joplin, MO, a short distance away.  Malorie invited Jon to come visit Joplin whenever he was able.  Within weeks, and after a 10 hour drive from a trip to Austin, TX for New Years, Jon visited Malorie in Joplin.  We have been inseparable ever since!

2. Tell us about one of your favorite dates!

We both agree, our favorite date was when we decided to spontaneously go to Eureka Springs for the night one fall evening.  Jon had never seen the Crescent Hotel Ghost tour, so we decided to up and go!  We did the tour, and had an amazing dinner at Ermilio’s. At the end of dinner we thought it would be a lot of fun to stay the night.  But a fall weekend in Eureka Springs, made rooms impossible to find.  We started calling around, and eventually we both called the same place! Malorie barely beat Jon to the punch, and found (what we think) was the last room available in town.  To top it all off it was a HONEYMOON suite!  We had a blast! This was also, the first time Jon told Malorie he loved her.  Needless to say, it’s a date we never will forget!

3. When did you know it was the real thing?

For Jon: It was after the first weekend they were together.  Jon had never had very many long term relationships, and immediately with Malorie everything was different and felt natural.  Being a Christian, fun loving, and outgoing; Jon knew Malorie was the one!

For Malorie: Jon has a personality unlike anyone Malorie had ever met.  He is dedicated and passionate.  Knowing Jon drove 10 hours after a trip to Austin to come visit her, something beyond special was here (although she did not admit that to him right away J).  For Malorie, it too was shortly after they started dating.  Being a man of faith, strong values, and a sincere personality, Malorie knew Jon was the one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with!

4. Was the proposal a surprise? How did it happen?

The proposal itself was a surprise! Even though we had been looking at rings for a little while, I had no idea when it would happen.  It was the first day of Christmas vacation.  Jon and I had planned to go to dinner that night to celebrate the holidays.  However, when I got to Bentonville and was getting ready for dinner, Jon suggested that I pack my bags so we could go up to Springfield after dinner in Eureka Springs.  I was really confused, but at this time in our lives we were driving between Springfield, Bentonville, and Joplin constantly, so it wasn’t out of the norm to change plans. With bags packed we headed to Eureka Springs for dinner at Ermilio’s, where we had one of our first dates.  Jon and I always promise not to get each other gifts for Christmas, and we do a small weekend trip together instead, but this time Jon brought a present the size of a book to dinner. “What’s that?” I said, rather upset because I didn’t get him anything for Christmas so I felt foolish.  Jon explained, “It a two year/Christmas/together present”.  I was still uncertain, but he brought it inside for dinner. The restaurant had a special table for us when we arrived (Normally, you can’t make reservations at Ermilio’s). We had dinner, and as we were rounding out dessert Jon asked if I wanted to open the gift.  I said OK! It was an IPad!  As happy as I was to receive it, I was still a little upset that he gave me such a nice gift when we promised not to exchange.  “Wow babe! This is really nice, thank you! If it’s for both of us, can we split the cost?” Jon laughed and said, “Ha-ha, well, I made something for you on here to watch”. It was a video with most of the pictures from our past two years of dating, with some of our favorite songs narrating in the background!  It was beyond, thoughtful and took a lot of time to prepare! At the end of the video was Jon standing on the porch of the Sigma Pi house at Drury (where we first met), holding signs WILL YOU MARRY ME?Jon got down on one knee at the restaurant and I said YES! Jon then told me our bags were packed to stay over at a Bed and Breakfast for the evening.  We started calling our friends and family immediately!  It was the perfect way to start the holidays! He did so well!

5. How do you envision your wedding day?

A day full of celebration with love and happiness! 

6. Are there any fun family traditions or special details that you are planning to incorporate?

Jon is planning to make an isle runner for the ceremony with pictures of him and Malorie through the years. We hope to bring a special day to pay attribute to our family and friends who have supported us through the years J

7. Bride, what are you most looking forward to on your big day?

The look on Jon’s face as I walk down the isle in my wedding dress!  And taking a new last name, of my very best friend!

8. Groom, what are you most looking forward to on the big day?

Marrying my best friend!  

9. What are we both looking forward to?
Being surrounded by loved ones.  Seeing all of our family and friends together for a wonderful celebration!