I Now Pronounce You Man and Wife (Becky Neal, Blake Neal and Ryley Barker)

May 17, 2014 

Mr. and Mrs. Blake and Becky Neal!

Becky and I have been good friends since we met at Ball State back in 2005. We were research partners for a semester our senior year. Becky was born and raised in Texas and transferred to Ball State mid college. We were both among the oldest youngsters in our classes since we both got a later start in the social work field. I think this also played a factor in bringing us together. Becky is gifted with a Texas twang and southern hospitality. She loves yard sales, thrift stores and James Patterson. Who wouldn't become fast friends with her?:) 

One of my favorite stories that comes to mind when talking about Becky is a conversation that has been had many times. It goes something like this...

Me(conversation is possibly over the phone on a Sunday): Becky, What are you doing on Tuesday? 

Becky: Tuesday? Haven't you seen the weather forecast? Its supposed to snow on Tuesday! Im going to make sure I have enough food for myself and the cats for a week! Im going to make sure that all my work is brought home. I have to take a vacation day. Theres absolutely no way I can plan anything! I cant walk out of the house if there is snow coming!

Me: Well its January and Indiana snow is inevitable. 

Hahaha. She really got bent out of shape with the weather here in this state after growing up in a sunny hot state all her life. I just had never seen anyone react this way about snow or cold. It was hilarious the first couple of winters but now that shes been up in the Midwest for quite some time I think shes over the snow and she also realizes not to listen to a word that the weather forecast says a few days in advance because this is of course Indiana.

Summer 2009

   

 We have shared some great times together. She was a great support to me when I met Luke and our lives were a whirlwind the first six months we were together. She was one of the first people to meet him. I told her I was going to marry Luke just two weeks after meeting him and she quickly replied that she thought I had gotten too much sun and maybe I needed to go home and take a nap! She was one of the first to see our house before we bought it. HA! Luke and I knew the code to get into the door so throughout the whole offering and inspection process we kept coming to and visiting the house just hoping it would soon be ours.  She helped us move in and paint and she helped me decorate. She was definitely a God send in those days. Then 9 months after meeting Luke and 2 months after buying a house she was the first to find out that low and behold we were having a baby! WHAT! The wedding is in 2 months and we are leaving for Vegas in 2 weeks! Yep. What a crazy roller coaster of life I had that year and Becky was right by my side.

Vegas Baby 2010

Boat Trip! 

 I was so blessed to have Becky as a bridesmaid in my wedding. She definitely helped me a lot in the planning process so I was happy to return the favor and be a bridesmaid for her as well. Blake and Becky had a beautiful outdoor wedding. There was of course lots of purple since that is her favorite color. It was an honor to stand by such a great gal on her wedding day. I know that you and Blake will have such a happy future!

Me and Julie Harris

                               Some toast at weddings with a champagne glass, I prefer to have a bottle.

Julie, Laura, and myself 

Last but certainly not least! Heres Ryley, Becky's kid brother. Hes a good guy who would do anything for anybody. Or at least anything for his big sister. :)