Wedding Date
November 8, 2014
Our Love Story
Ethan's story: I remember it was a cold January day. Friday to be exact. The Friday afternoon Anatomy lab was the only section that I could take that semester because every other one conflicted with my other classes. Of course, nobody ever wants Friday afternoon classes, but this one turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. I was at a table with my twin brother, Evan, and we were doing our assignment for the day, studying upper body bones. It wasn't long before a cute girl next to us noticed our diligence in studying, and she asked if she could study with us. Naturally, I noticed that this girl was extremely attractive and very sweet as well. Conversation arose between the three of us because she noticed we were twins, and she exclaimed that she herself was a twin as well. On the way home from lab that afternoon I noticed I had new friend request on Facebook (well that was easy enough), and I also got a phone call from one our mutual friends who just had to tell me about this girl she thought I should date: Katie. In the following months, Katie and I spent our time studying together and hanging out during class periods. Our relationship was built on a great friendship first. I loved spending time with Katie and looked forward to every second I got to do so because she was such a joy to be around. I could see immediately Katie was the type of woman that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I always prayed for a Godly woman who was sweet, genuine, and beautiful inside and out, and Katie has been a perfect answer from God. We formally began our courtship in October of the same year, and from the moment it began I knew that it would be forever. I knew I was in love. I am so blessed to have a woman as incredible as Katie in my life.
The Proposal
Katie's story: It was the weekend of the Arkansas vs. Florida basketball game-- January 11, 2014. My twin sister, Lauren, asked me if I would go to a reception on Saturday night with her. She explained that her boyfriend would be leaving town for a duck hunting trip, and she simply could not go alone. The reception was for her MBA program, which she was just beginning. We pulled up to park by the Greek Theater for the "reception." At that point, Lauren handed me a note, saying, "This is for you!" I saw Ethan's handwriting on the front, and I knew there was no reception. In the note, Ethan confirmed there was indeed no reception-- he wrote about the special night this would be, and praised God for our relationship. And the tears commenced. Ethan and his sweet family had set up candles down the steps of the Greek Theater. Some of the candles spelled my initials, KLW. I walked down the stairs and met Ethan. He took my hand and walked me to the side of the stage, where he had a quilt on the steps with more candlelight. We sat down and he began going through a picture book that he had created of our whole relationship. The book spoke of all the things I am to Ethan-- his teammate, his closest friend, his sunshine and warmth, Razorback, his Queen, his partner for every adventure, his beautiful date for life, his other twin, his family, his entire world, and the absolute love of his life. (Eeeek!) I think I finally stopped crying at this point? Then Ethan grabbed his Bible, and began reading from Ecclesiastes. He read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Um, swoon. Ethan then walked me up to the side of the stage and began explaining why he chose to propose at the Greek Theater. He noted that we met in the Science Building, not far from the Greek Theater, and he pointed to the Senior Walk, and talked about both of our names being etched there together. He also noted that the Greek Theater was where I was named the University of Arkansas Homecoming Queen, which was another very special time in my life. Finally, Ethan walked me to the center of the stage. He had my married initials of KWB written in candles center stage. You know what happens next! Ethan dropped to one knee and asked me to be his wife! I said YES! He and our families had planned a dinner party at my parents' house afterwards, which was fun getting to share that special time with them. What a joyful time!
Wedding Location
Old Main Arboretum Fayetteville, Arkansas
Bride's Hometown or City of Residence
Moro, Arkansas
Groom's Hometown or City of Residence
Marshall, Arkansas
Bride's Parents and City of Residence
Mark and Angela Waldrip Moro, Arkansas
Bride's Grandparents and City of Residence
Rosa Mae Eason and the late Fremont Eason Moro, Arkansas The late Eugene and Maxine Waldrip, and the late Norma Gordon Waldrip Marianna, Arkansas
Bride's Children
N/A
Bride's Employment and Education
Katie graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Science in Food, Human Nutrition, and Hospitality with concentrations in Dietetics and Hospitality Management and a minor in Agricultural Business. Katie will begin law school at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in the fall of 2014.
Groom's Parents and City of Residence
The Honorable David Branscum and Judy Branscum Marshall, Arkansas
Groom's Grandparents and City of Residence
Jean Herd and the late Jack Herd Fayetteville, Arkansas The late Lawdon and Willis Branscum Marshall, Arkansas
Groom's Children
N/A
Groom's Employment and Education
Ethan graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Kinesiology in 2013 and a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics in 2014. Ethan is the Assistant Director of Commodity Activities and Economics at Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.
Engagement Info January 11, 2014 Fayetteville, Arkansas Wedding Info November 8, 2014 Old Main Arboretum Fayetteville, Arkansas About Katie Leigh Moro, Arkansas Hometown Little Rock, Arkansas Residence Law Student Occupation About David Ethan Marshall, Arkansas Hometown Little Rock, Arkansas Residence Assistant Director of Commodity Activities and Economics at Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation Occupation Katie Leigh's Parents Mark and Angela Waldrip David Ethan's Parents The Honorable David Branscum and Judy Branscum