Brandi Fore:
Brandi is an RN on the Surgical ICU floor at the VA in Temple, Texas. She received her BS in Nursing from The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX in 2003. Brandi is from Lorena, TX and is the daughter of Danny & Hazel Fore and the sister of Denise Fore.
J. Fagner
J. is a Senior Electronic Media Designer in the Marketing and Communications Department at Baylor University in Waco, TX. He recieved his BFA in Design Communication from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX in 2004. J. is originally from Holland, TX, but resides in Lorena, TX at the couple's new home. J is the son of Robert & Paula Fagner and the brother of Jessica Smith and Joshua Fagner.
click here to view photos of us
HOW WE MET:
Brandi and J. were set up on a blind date by Brandi's coworker and J.'s friend Mike Cearley. They went to Brandi's favorite eatery Ninfa's in Waco for their first date.
WHEN WE GOT ENGAGED:
New Year's Eve - December 31, 2006
HOW IT HAPPENED:
(In Brandi's words)
J. spent the entire day making it seem as though he had nothing planned for New Year's Eve. After going to dinner and a movie with J. and my sister, Denise, we decided to go home. My dad offered to take J. for a ride in his Camaro so I changed into my pajamas, thinking that the night was over. Around 9 pm (2100) the pager for the fire station went off calling all first responders to the station for a "special assignment," so I quickly changed and made my way to the station. When I got there I was the only one there so I went inside to wait on the rest of the guys. J. came walking out from behind the rescue truck with a dozen long stem red roses and a box of Godiva chocolates. I asked him (in a very surprised state)…"What are you doing?" already knowing the answer. J replied, ”I think you know what I'm doing!" He led me through the trucks to the back of the station where he had a bottle of chilled champagne, 2 champagne flutes and 132 votive candles lit (well, mostly lit) spelling out "BRANDi MARRY ME!?” He got down on his knee and pulled out a little blue and pink box with a beautiful diamond ring inside. I think I said "YES" before he was even finished asking the question. Afterward he made a toast, and we had our first glass of champagne together. Then we danced to George Strait's "It Just Comes Natural." My parents and sister showed up soon after to take pictures and celebrate with us. So I guess he had something planned after all!
click here to view photos of the proposal
BRANDI'S ATTENDANTS
Denise Fore , Maid Of Honor -- Sister
Erica Artho , Bridesmaid
Aimee Campos , Bridesmaid
Kathryn Shindoll , Bridesmaid
Melanie Stafford , Bridesmaid
Trish Woods , Bridesmaid
Elena Alford, Flower Girl
Allison Millette , Flower Girl
Korey McEwin, Usher
J.'S ATTENDANTS
Joshua Fagner , Best Man -- Brother
Michael Bain , Groomsman
Geoff Heath , Groomsman
Zach Knowles , Groomsman
Ben Weber , Groomsman
Weldon Whalen , Groomsman
Will Jones , Usher
Scott Zajicek , Usher
JonCaleb Cearley , Ring Bearer
HOUSE PARTY
Jessica Alford
Amanda Dorris
Jessica Holman
Joletta Phillips
Jana Schaeffer
Jessica Smith
Kristen Zajicek
Dream Wedding Giveaway Winners!
On Tuesday January 23, 2007 Brandi and I won Waco's $50,000 Dream Wedding Giveaway in a random drawing! We are trully blessed beyond our wildest dreams. The giveaway consists of vouchers from local vendors for certain products and services. We still can't believe this is happening!
Story from Wedding & Party Ideas Magazine March 2007 (Berger Publishing).
Brandi and J. heard about the Dream Wedding Giveaway from a friend and decided to register for the event together. During J.’s lunch break, the two would drive around Waco and completed a total of 32 registration forms, mostly based on availability and close proximity. Once the registration deadline had arrived and all the entry forms were collected, Brandi was selected among 9 other finalists for the giveaway. The celebration party was underway and greeted by much anticipation for all in attendance.
Brandi and J. arrived with both of their families and anxiously awaited the announcement of who would win. Everyone gathered together as the tumbler turned and one finalist was drawn; it was complete silence until Brandi’s name was announced and then everyone erupted in cheers and applause for them. Brandi was speechless and completely overwhelmed with a feeling of disbelief. It took them a second to process that their names had actually been called and they were the recipients of the $50,00 Dream Wedding. Both sets of parents were ecstatic and it was very special for all of them to be at the party to share this special moment. Brandi and J. have started planning for their October 13, 2007 wedding and have met with some of the generous donors to get things underway. We wish them all the best.
Download a PDF of the spread that appeared in the March 2007 Wedding & Party Ideas Magazine.
Download a PDFof the story that appeard in the February 28, 2007 Hometown News (local newspaper).