At First Sight

When

love is meant to be, it just happens. For Hot Springs residents Hollie Rucker and Andy Mahoney, this sentiment could not ring truer.

Hollie grew up in Hot Springs while Andy is a native of Grapevine. Years later, the two ended up moving into the same apartment building, but it wasn’t until a year later when they were introduced by a mutual friend – who happened to be the best man in their wedding – that they realized they had been neighbors all along.

It was love at first sight for the couple, and the two became best friends, never leaving each others’ sides. From the moment they met, they knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

On Memorial Day weekend, the couple invited friends and family over for a cookout and swimming at the pool, but Hollie was unaware of what Andy had planned.

“After eating, Andy asked me to walk outside with him and of course my response was ‘OK, why? Is something wrong?’” Hollie said.

Andy then got down on one knee and asked Hollie to marry him – a shock, and pleasant surprise to Hollie.

“Of course I said ‘yes,’” she said. “I’ve never been so happy in my life.”

The big day: Jan. 18, 2014

Best Man and Maid of Honor: Our entire wedding party was amazing. The maid of honor was Ali Cischke, my best friend since grade school, followed by my three other best friends Megan Masone, Chelsea Kelso and Holly Caver, my “amici bella,” which means beautiful friends.

The best man was Rodney Whitaker followed by Matt Clark, Brandon

Cotton and Matt Lindley. My stepdaughter Riley Mahoney and cousin Bella Clark sprinkled snow down the aisle before I walked down, while my son Caden Rucker and stepson Payton Mahoney carried signs that said “Daddy here comes your bride” and “P.S. She’s beautiful.”

Then my mother Donna Stacy and father Joe Rucker walked me down the aisle.

The location: The Austin Hotel

and Spa The reception: The reception was also held at the Austin Hotel. We had carving stations and finger foods all provided by the Austin. The 3-tier cake had one layer chocolate, one vanilla and the top marble with beautiful blue ribbon around each layer and snowflakes all around, and was made by Spa City Cakes. Our wonderful entertainment was provided by John Horn, of Underground Jams.

The look: It was a winter won- derland theme and our colors went with that. We had light blue, silver and white with snowflakes hanging from branches covered in snow and sparkle everywhere – it was gorgeous. We went with simple floral arrangements of white roses and baby’s breath with lots of sparkle designed by Maria’s Flowers.

The dress: My dress was a princess dress. It was a ballgown with embellished waist and ruffled skirt by Galina Signature. Most unforgettable moment: There were so many moments that were awesome but one of my favorite was seeing the look on Andy’s face when the doors opened and I started walking down the aisle. His face was precious. He had the look of “She’s beautiful and about to become my wife” with tears of happiness.

The honeymoon: Our honeymoon is planned for later this summer.