Forever Friday: Love can be found in the Wal-Mart parking lot!

Jessica and Chris Woolery

Story told by Mr. Woolery

It was Sunday, June 14, 2009. I had just purchased my first home and was heading out to stock my fridge for the first time. As I walked into Wal-Mart, I quickly noticed a gorgeous woman in a sundress examining a head of lettuce. Without knowing what to say in the produce section of Wal-Mart, I simply went about my shopping. Throughout the rest of my trip, we passed each other a few times and made brief eye contact, but without saying a word. After checking out, I walked out to the parking lot, glanced back and there she was, walking down the same row of cars. We unloaded our groceries and were headed to the cart return – destined to arrive at the same time. As I was preparing for what I would say, an elderly man approached her only to ask, “Ma’am, may I return your cart for you?” After returning my cart alone, I walked back to my car and began rummaging through the trunk, hoping she would take the longer route out of the parking lot and pass by my car. I glanced her way and she was doing exactly that. As she approached, I garnered all of my courage and with a slight wave said, “Hey.”

Immediately after, she began laughing hysterically, but pulled into a parking space only ten spots away. I approached her and introduced myself, trying to ease my nerves the entire time. After speaking for a few minutes, we realized that I had been at a wedding a few weeks prior that she was invited to, but was unable to attend. I then proceeded to ask for her number, but realized that my phone was in my car. I rushed to get it and returned only to find out that the buttons on my phone were mysteriously not working. I asked if she would take my number and give me a call, but her phone was out of battery. Doing the only thing we could, she pulled a used Post-It note from her car and wrote her name and number on the back. I returned to my car extremely happy and began to pull out of the parking lot when a gust of wind blew through the car, lifting the Post-It right out of the window. I immediately stopped and after some hesitation, put my car in park, stepped out onto the street, and proceeded to stop two oncoming cars as I rushed to grab the note. I called her that night. We went on a date (which is a whole other story) and two years later we got engaged. Oh, and yes, I still have the Post-It note.

Tim Davis Photography



Venue: Abode Venue

Caterer: Bella Luna

Cake: WOW Cakes

DJ/Band: Big Fat Fun

Make-Up: Karla Schmidt

Hair: Katie Leaf and Emilee McCoskey

Photographer: Tim Davis Photography

Planner: Ashley Moore with Events by Ashley

What’s in Our Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Every wedding is different, but each wedding demands the same amount of attention to detail as does the largest, most detailed wedding out there. Part of wedding detail is to be fully prepared for the “what ifs”. I have compiled a list of “musts” for your emergency kit; for not only the bride, but for every member of the wedding party. Take a minute to look inside what we carry in our Events By Ashley emergency kit. You may be surprised at what we keep tucked away, but you will be even more surprised by how often we/you will use the special things inside! It never hurts to be well prepared!

1.      Lint roller

2.      Band aids

3.      Deodorant and lotion

4.      Tylenol or Advil…Midol

5.      Bobby pins

6.      White duck tape (this is used more that you can imagine)

7.      Tampons and pads

8.      Kleenex

9.      Clear fingernail polish and nail file

10.   hairspray

11.   Hand held fan

12.   Phone charger

13.   Lip gloss or lip stick

14.   Sewing kit

15.   Scissors

16.   Fishing wire

17.   Bottled wire

18.   Tape measure

19.   Makeup

20.   Back up CDs with any music being used for ceremony

21.   White Chalk for covering stains

22.   Small mirror

23.   Writing pens

24.   Batteries for cameras, etc…

25.   A list of all your wedding vendors

Project White

Do you have a wedding gown that is just collecting dust or taking up space in your closet that you want to get rid of or sell? Are you wondering what you will do with your gown after your wedding this year? Would you ever consider donating your dress to someone who may be experiencing financial hardships and is not able to buy their dream wedding gown? “Project White” is an organization that is trying to make those dreams come true for some brides.

Through the inspiration of two friends and one dress, Project White was created in hopes that it would bring a smile to a woman's face that may be experiencing financial adversity. With the possibility of little or no income, the goal of Project White is to not only provide an atmosphere where the women can try on these dresses, but where they can choose their dream wedding dress for no cost. This is made possible by the countless number of donations made by other women and dress shops who understand the importance of the "Dream Dress", for that one and only special wedding day.

"The Dress" that was the inspiration for Project White

The brides who are interested in the project, must fill out an application and show two forms of identification as well as provide a current pay stub or proof of unemployment. “Project White” does not want people to take advantage of the goodness of others or local bridal shops, so the process is extensive.

Bridesmaids dresses, while not the focus of Project White, have/can be donated as well. They will be sold for $25.00 a dress and this money will go to help pay for overhead costs, such as dry cleaning.

New Wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses are being donated weekly. Please check in every other week for updated pictures of the newest donations!

If you are interested in donating your dress to Project White or know someone that is in need of a wedding dress, check out Project White facebook page for more information or contact Ashley Moore at: Ashley@myeventbyashley.com or 316-990-8262.