Our Love Story
About the bride: Jessica is the daughter of Boyd and Deborah Billingsley of Bentonville, Ark. She graduated from Bentonville High School and then attended the University of Arkansas. She graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2007 with a bachelor of arts in journalism, advertising and public relations and then continued her education at the University of Arkansas School of Law. After graduating with her juris doctorate in 2010, she moved back to Bentonville, where she is presently employed as an associate at Ramona Munsell and Associates Consulting, Inc. About the groom: Rhys is the son of Robert and Jeannie Carter of Texarkana, Texas. He graduated from Pleasant Grove High School and then attended the University of Arkansas. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2007 with a bachelor of science in business management with a minor in finance. He is currently employed by Walmart, Inc. and works in replenishment. How we met: Rhys and I met on July 4, 2010, at the wedding of mutual friends at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Ark. I saw Rhys from across the room and pointed him out to my friend, Amanda, saying "He's really cute!" She just said "I know him!!!" and when he came over to say hello she asked, "So, is your girlfriend with you?" He responded, "I don't have a girlfriend." Amanda immediately pointed to me and said "This is my friend, Jessica." After we danced and talked all night, Rhys asked for my number and the very next day he asked me to go on a date later that week. The rest, as they say, is history.
The Proposal
Date of event: Saturday, July 7, 2012 How we got engaged: For our anniversary, Rhys planned a weekend for us to go back to Eureka Springs along with Taylor and Jenni, his best friends from Texarkana. We drove over Saturday morning and spent the day walking around downtown and shopping. It was really hot, but it was really nice getting out of town for the day to do something different. Around 3 p.m., we went to check into the Crescent and it immediately started storming. Rhys kept looking out the window saying that he hoped it would stop raining before we went to dinner at 7 p.m. I didn't really think it was a big deal since we'd be driving over and the restaurant wasn't far. Thankfully, it did stop raining and once we were ready Rhys suggested we go walk around the garden at the back of the hotel. Once we were outside looking out over the valley Rhys said that he had something to ask me and he got down on one knee and asked "Will you marry me?" Of course, I said "Yes!" and then I heard cheering from the balcony above the garden. I thought it was just people that were sitting outside, but when I looked up it was Taylor and Jenni taking pictures of the big moment. After that, we went to dinner at Ermilio's to celebrate. All-in-all it was a wonderful weekend and we're very excited to begin this next step in our relationship.
Bride's Parents and City of Residence
Deborah and Boyd Billingsley, Jr., of Bentonville, Ark.
Bride's Grandparents and City of Residence
Myrtle Moncus of Lambsburg, Va., the late Clyde Moncus and the late Doris and Boyd Billingsley, Sr.
Bride's Employment and Education
She is an associate at Ramona Munsell & Associates Consulting, Inc. She is a 2010 graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law with a doctorate of law. She is a 2007 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a bachelor's degree in journalism.
Groom's Parents and City of Residence
Jeannie and Robert Carter of Texarkana, Texas
Groom's Grandparents and City of Residence
Mary Carter of Texarkana, Texas, the late Calvin Carter, the late Marie Carter and the late Helen and Luther Snodgrass.
Groom's Employment and Education
He is an order specialist at Walmart. He is a 2007 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a bachelor's degree in business management with a minor in finance.
Engagement Info July 7, 2012 Eureka Springs, AR Wedding Info April 27, 2013