It is always fun getting to work with brides and grooms that you knew before planning their wedding! This is definitely the case with Arabella and Jim. Handley has known Arabella since high school, and it has been such a blast helping her plan the biggest day of her life so far! Arabella's talented younger sister Abigail took these photos of her and Jim, and we're swooning... see below for more of their love story!
How did you two meet?
AB: Jim and I first met in the summer of 2011. My younger sister Anna Grace Barlow was on stage in musical theatre shows with Jim in the summers of 2011 and 2012. Jim and I got to know each other at cast parties and after-rehearsal events. Our first kiss was shared in the same spot where we will have our "first look" on wedding day!
Arabella, what is your favorite thing about Jim. And Jim, what is your favorite thing about Arabella?
AB: There are so many things that I love about my fiancé, Jim Schaeffer, that it is so hard to pick just one. But if I had to, my favorite thing about Jim has to be his sense of humor. Even after four years those quick, witty, and sometimes corny jokes still make me genuinely belly laugh. It's not just the jokes themselves, it's all in his delivery. Jim always knows what to say in those moments when I'm sad or down and how to say it to immediately put a smile on my face. Even if an eye roll follows that smile. I don't know what I'd do without those sweet, silly jokes of his.
JS: I love everything about Arabella, from her smile to her sense of humor. Every day with her is so new and different. I could tolerate driving across the country and back on a road trip with her. We would never run out of conversation topics and ways to laugh at one another. I can't imagine my life without Arabella, and I look forward to growing old with her.
What are you most looking forward to about marriage?
AB: The thing I am looking most forward to about marriage is having a husband to go to the grocery store for me! Just kidding. I'm so excited about having an official partner to go through all of life with. Someone who will always have my back through the good, the bad, the everything. Someone who wants to take care of me for a lifetime. I can't think of a more perfect partner for me than Jim.
JS: I am looking forward to sharing life's struggles and triumphs with the person that I love the most. Married life will allow us to always have someone to turn to when things aren't going our way or when we can't wait to share exciting news from the day's events. Also, Arabella is a fantastic nurse who will always know how to take care of me when I'm under the weather and when I'm old and gray.
What has been your favorite thing about wedding planning so far?
AB: My most favorite part of wedding planning has been sharing it with my entire family. Being the oldest of four girls, the first wedding of the sisters is extra exciting. Seeing the joy on everyone's faces during the planning process has really brought my family, and our families, closer together. Also, the permanent feeling of "I've found my person" makes planning the details of the day extra special. It's your first day of forever together!
JS: My favorite part of planning for the wedding has been reaching out to musicians and helping to select appropriate music for the wedding ceremony and parties. As a local choral music educator I have a slew of music contacts throughout the Birmingham area whom I've enjoyed reaching out to for instrumentalists and repertoire suggestions.
We're looking forward to many more planning meetings with this beautiful couple!