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Our Top 10 in 2 Months!

As we celebrate our 2 months of being married, we want to share with you the Top 10 things that have happened since we've been The Stroups.

10. Zack has been studying, very, very, very hard for the Series 7 to be a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.

9. Trip to Kansas City to celebrate our wedding with many great Kansas friends. We enjoyed a wonderful reception in the Portell backyard with both of our parents.

8. We carved our first pumpkin.


7. We bought a new couch, and got rid of Larry (our old couch).

Goodbye Larry :(

Hello new couch :)

6. Roadtrip to St. Louis to see Brittany Portell perform in a Regional Band Competition playing her Tenor Drums. She Rocked!

5. We welcomed home our Best Man's first child from Guatemala. We're so glad to have Lindsy back and Eliana at home in Nashville.

4. We joined our first Young Married Community Group hosted by the McKelvy family.

3. Going on our first camping trip to Edgar Evans State Park on Center Hill Lake. We enjoyed a beautiful 8 mile hike, and refreshing swim in the lake.

2. We enjoyed a little extra wedding cake when returning from our honeymoon.


1. We spent over 72 hours transfering all of our personal IDs to prove we are The Stroups and live at 5878 Brentwood Trace, Brentwood, TN, 37027.

Honeymoon

The Secret is out...We spend a great week of celebration and relaxation in St. Lucia. Thanks be to God we were hurricane free for 7 days!

The life of Zack and Paige

It's been a while since an update from the Stroup family! Getting married can really take a hold of your life. We are now settled down and getting in the routine of things (whatever that looks like). We wanted to share a few wedding pics with you from our big day.

Mrs. Stroup

Zack and Paige's Family Mission Statement

Friends and Family,

I want to share with you Paige and my Family Mission Statement.

This weekend when Paige and I are married we will make this commitment to God, ourselves and you.

Our commitment is … Loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength as we love each other in our words and actions. As one we will joyfully pursue his holiness making his glory known in our home and community.

This is what we are about. Our marriage is for the Glory of God.

Peace and Joy,

Zack

Wedding Directions -

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Wedding Directions from Comfort Inn 65 S, to West End Church of Christ

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Driving directions to 3534 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37205
9.8 mi – about 12 mins

5566 Franklin Pike Cir
Brentwood, TN 37027

1. Head south on Franklin Pike Circle toward Old Hickory Blvd
0.2 mi
2. Turn right at Old Hickory Blvd
387 ft
3. Slight right to merge onto I-65 N toward Nashville
5.2 mi
4. Take exit 80 to merge onto I-440 W toward Memphis
3.6 mi
5. Take exit 1 to merge onto US-70S W/West End Ave
0.7 mi

West End Church of Christ
3534 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37205

Wedding Directions

View Larger Map

Driving directions to 3534 W End Ave, Nashville, TN 37205
12.1 mi – about 17 mins

Nashville Int'l Airport
1. Head south
0.8 mi
2. Slight left (signs for Nashville/Terminal/I-65/I-40 W/Parking/I-24)
0.1 mi
3. Merge onto I-40 W via the ramp to Nashville/I-65/I-24
3.4 mi
4. Continue on I-24 E (signs for I-440 W/Chattanooga/Memphis/I-24 E)
0.8 mi
5. Take exit 53 to merge onto I-440 W toward Memphis
6.1 mi
6. Take exit 1 to merge onto US-70S W/West End Ave
0.7 mi

West End Church of Christ
3534 W End Ave, Nashville, TN 37205

Our New Home

We are getting so close to the big day and enjoying the many showers of celebrations with friends and family. We're excited to share with you our new home. We will be living in a fun little townhouse in Brentwood, TN.

The future Stroups new address will be:
5878 Brentwood Trace
Brentwood, TN 37027

Please stop by and visit whenever your in the area!

Going to Slovenia

Well friends, I'm off today to the other side of the world. I will be leading our mission team of 11 people to help with an English Camp for teenagers in Slovenia. Pray that students will come to know Christ through the relationships that are built and the testimony of who he is in our life. Pray the Lord provide strength and wisdom for the 2 weeks I'm there. Pray that God's hand of peace and comfort be upon Zack and I while we're apart. I appreciate you as my prayer warriors, and look forward to sharing God goodness when I return.

Paige

Engagement Pictures

Our engagement pictures were taking by my mom (yes, Cindy Portell!!!) at Radnor Lake in Nashville. One of our favorite places to go. Funny story, we went to get some printed and the people at Walgreens said "they needed a signature to authorize the copyright of the pictures since they were professional". Mom and I laughed as we took in her digital camera to prove we had taken them ourselves. Way to go mom, you are a professional!

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

For those traveling from outstate for the wedding, we are so thankful for the sacrifices you make to come share the weekend with us.

For hotel accommodations: A block of rooms under the Portell/Stroup Party have been reserved at
The Comfort Inn Suites
5566 Franklin Pike Circle , Brentwood, TN, US, 37027
Phone: (615) 221-5001

www.comfortinn.com

The Bridesmaid

Now for the Girls!!!

My wonderful Maids of Honor:

Ashley Portell - My best friend (besides Zack), sister, and hero! Recent Graduate of Lipscomb University, and will make the best teacher in the world some day. This year beside being a maid of honor, she's headed to Australia for Missions and Hawaii to live life to the fullest for a while. Ashley is one of the strongest prayer warriors I know and can make a friend with anyone.

Brittany Portell - The best little sister ever, that I'm so proud of. Brittany is entering her Senior year of High school at Blue Valley High School in Leawood, KS. She enjoys training animals, caring for her dog Maddie, being the section Leader of the Drum Line in the band (way to go Brit!), and being an outstanding leader for her youth group. Brit knows how to make anyone laugh and will steal the dance floor at the reception.

Bridesmaids:

Amy Stroup - Amy is a singer, songwriter in Nashville, TN. She leads worship at Fellowship Bible Church, writes amazing songs, and nannies 2 sweet little girls. Amy and I were friends in college, and really became close after college. Thanks to many nights of us hanging out and with her cute brother coming around; I soon will be getting married. Amy is an amazing listener, servant, and disciple of Christ.

Sarah Thompson - my future sister-in-law! Sarah is married to Kevin, they have 2 sons (Preston and Lincoln), and are expecting a 3rd son in July. Sarah is a great example of a sacrificial dedicated mom that I look forward to learning from one day. The Thompson family lives in Boerne, TX.

Bekah Kinzer - My best friend since I was 3 years old, and a gift from God that I have been able to walk through all season of life with. Bekah is married to Chris Gannon and she is a Child Life Specialist at Vanderbilt Hospital. Bekah has been there with me since I spent the first night way from home to the last night before graduating from college. I'm so thankful for this loyal, God honoring friend.

Emily Tardy - Emily started as co-worker of mine at Fellowship Bible Church in the Student Ministry, and has become one of the most dedicated friends I've ever had. Emily is married to Daniel and they live in the cutest little house in Nolensville. Emily has taught me so much about growing with the Lord, and living a life obedient to him.

Crystal Watson - I met Crystal on a trip to Baja, Mexico doing Missions my Junior year of College, and then starting going to church together 3 years. Crystal really was there to support me in some of my hardest times, and is always willing to help anyone in need. Crystal gives, gives and gives, and has been a huge support of Zack and I's relationship from the beginning.

The Groomsmen

Introducing the Groomsmen standing beside Paige and I in our ceremony and marriage.

My Best Man : Chris Wheeler

Chris Wheeler has been faithful friend since Focus on the Family Institute Fall 2001. Chris works at Fellowship Bible Church in Brentwood, TN with Fellowship Student Ministries alongside Paige. Chris is married to Lindsey Wheeler and they are currently in process to adopt Eliana. You can read more about their walk of faithfulness in adoption at www.thewheelerjourney.blogspot.com

The Groomsmen:

Kevin Thompson is my brother-in-law. He is a great communicator and friend. He is married to my older sister Sarah Beth. They have two boys Preston and Lincoln and are anticipating the birth of their third child to be born about a month before our wedding. What a blessing! Kevin works in Beorne, TX at www.texasherritagebank.com

Sam McCormick is my cousin on the Gee side. He won the Division 2 College World Series while playing for Dyersburg. He is a fisherman, guiter pickin', and now plays college baseball at University of West Alabama www.uwa.edu

Chris Nelms a.k.a. "Mesh" has been my room mate since 2005. Chris is an excellent art teacher in Metro Nashville. Chris has an eclectic taste in music, likes disk golf, and Espn. Ask him to tell you about the latest concert he attended. He is a great leader at Inversion and leads trips with Paige to Slovenia.

Ben Morrow has been my friend since 1993. We went to school together at Mars Hill Bible School in Florence Alabama. I began my began running with Ben in the hot Alabama summers as we trained for the fall basketball season in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. I love his parents, Tim and Vicky. Ben is married to Anna and they have triplets.

Josiah Smelser has been a friend since the Alabama Days with Ben. We played soccer, basketball, and went to summer camp together. Josiah is close to completing his goal of hiking the 2,200 mile long Appalachian Trial. Check out Josiah's progress at www.atendeavor.blogspot.com

Let Me Introduce Myself

Hi Friends and Family,

I was looking at our blog and realized that we need to let you all know more about us. So since I am the expert on me I will write a few words on my behalf for your enjoyment. Let me see, lets start shallow and go deep...I am the good looking brown haired and hazel-brown eyed gentleman and occasional scholar you see in the our blog pictures. I am 28 years old. I was born May 8, 1980 at 7:30 am to my loving parents Jesse and Barbara Stroup (you can call her Babs if you are one of her kids or in really tight!) in Winchester, Massachusetts on that amazing May day! I love working hard and playing hard. For the past 2.5 years I have worked at Wyndham Vacation Resorts Nashville as the Assistant Activities Director. I have found out many valuable things about myself from working in the Hospitality Business. I like business and seeing things grow. I invested my talents and created an award winning assisting people in creating a higher quality of life for themselves and their families. In this business it has meant making memorable vacations for people from around the globe when the come to Nashville. I also like seeing people connect and enjoy themselves.

My favorite things in life in no particular order are: working hard and playing hard, new ideas, being with Paige, college sports, camping, hiking, fishing, soccer, spending time in the park, twix candy bars, American Idol, 24, worshiping God, spending time with family and friends, being intentional and authentic about what I think and feel, spending time in nature, running, great food, swimming, listening to music, business, meeting people, reading, watching movies, travel, Colorado, Musicals, Chacos, REI, laughing, reading the Word, Mountains, challenges, different cultures, live music, learning new things, museums, celebrations, Boston Red Sox, water falls, Boston Celtics, technology, being thankful, pixar movies, rock climbing, drawing, being organized, playing games, mentoring youth, sun sets, marathons, persuading others, reading letters, bring people together to accomplish a task, leadership, energy, and smoothies.

Our Wedding Gift Registry

Hi Wedding Friends and Family,

Paige and I want to give you the specifics on our wedding registries. You can shop from the convenience of your computer or print out the following info and head to your local store.

We are registered at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Macy's, The Home Depot, and REI.

To view our Bed, Bath, and Beyond wedding registry go to www.bedbathandbeyond.com Click on wedding registry and type in Paige Portell in the designated box.

To view our Macy's wedding registry go to www.macys.weddingchannel.com and type in Paige Portell in the designated box.

Our Macy's wedding registry number is 1554203.

For our Home Depot wedding registry selections must go to your local Home Depot and give then the wedding registry number 0723-253045.

To view our REI wedding registry go to www.rei.com and select the tab that says gift registry.

Our REI wedding registry number is GR1731729


Zack & Paige

Meet the Parents

This update is a little late also, but on May 2nd The Stroup family and Portell family became friends. That's right, both of our parents came to Nashville for the weekend for the first time to meet each other. It was so much fun, and they actually like each other!!! We had some great meals together, family game night, Sunday morning worship together, and wedding planning of course. It was amazing to experience two families coming together, just because Zack and I like each other a whole lot. Just so you everyone is the the loop...

Stroup family includes: Jesse, Barbara, Zack, and Amy along with Kevin, Sarah, Preston, and Lincoln Thompson (who were unable to join us for the weekend).

Portell family includes: Doug, Cindy, Paige, Ashley, and Brittany

Happy Birthday Zack!

Well, last week my future husband to be celebrated his 28th year of life. It was quite a party with many of our close friends at Mickey Roos (a Texas BBQ place that takes Zack back to Abliene days). It was a super fun night of country music, that ended with the Stroup family on stage singing "Sweet Home Alabama". It was so good they ask Amy to come back the next week. I'm so grateful that our heavenly father created Zack Stroup on May 8th, 28 years ago.

Battle of the Bands for Slovenia

I have the amazing opportunity to travel to Slovenia this summer for the 3rd time. This will be my 2nd year leading the trip, and its the 2 weeks before Zack's trip to Peru. So, YES, we will not see each other at all in July, but we'll get to start spending the rest of our life together in August. Yeah! My team this year is awesome, they put on a support raising event last Friday and it was so succuessful. We raised over $2,100, had a few hundred people show up, and got to spread the word about the need to make the gospel known to the other side of the world in Slovenia. It was a huge outreach event in our own community as 12 different bands from 7 different schools competed.

The Lord blessed my life by being able to watch 12 people use their gifts and talents to put on a great night that was glorifing to God in so many different ways. Our trip June 30th-July 14th will involve teaching English to Slovenian students. There is only 2% evagelical Christian in this small Eastern European country. Its is a very dark place that needs help spreading the light of our heavenly father. Please keep our Slovenia team and the students we get to share the gospel with in July in your prayers.

More updates to come on this in the next few months.

We are registered at REI!

Hi Friends and Family,

Paige and I are smiling as we passed another pre-wedding mile-stone today! We registered at REI this afternoon for all those modern camping necessities we need to have a happy and successful marriage! Right? Ok, I know they are not necessary, but man we like to play in the great outdoors! What fun we will have camping, hiking, canoeing, etc.

So if you want to share in our love for the great outdoors just buy us some killer gear from our REI Gift Registry

http://www.rei.com/GiftRegistryDetails/GR1731729

and we'll see you on the trail.

Much Love,

Zack and Paige

REI Registry List

Registrant(s): Zack Stroup & Paige Portell Log in to your registry.
Event Type: Wedding
Event Description: Zack Stroup and Paige Portell's Wedding
Event Date: Aug 30, 2008
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Registry Number: GR1731729

Save the Date

We're Registered!

It's true! On Monday, we spent 4 1/2 hours at Bed, Bath and Beyond picking out everything for "our house" it was crazy. We had so much fun and Zack was so helpful with everything. It's really starting to sink in that we are actually going to live together so soon!

Going Abroad

Hola, For the past two years I have been mentoring youth with Fellowship Student Ministry and have spiritually discipled 10 young men who are high school students at my church Fellowship Bible Church Nashville. On July 19-28, 2008 we have the privilege of participating with a team of leaders and students on a short-term mission trip to Comas, located 30 minutes north of Lima, Peru. I will be in a leadership role on the trip and three of my courageous students Brandon, Collin, and Clayton are going to Comas, Peru.

Comas is a rapidly growing area that has tremendous needs due to its poor economic and social conditions. It's one of the most populous regions in the country. Fellowship Bible Church has a strategic long term partnership with the Comas Church to plant several churches in the area. This trip is an opportunity for us to practically live out the call Christ has on our lives to seek and save the lost.

Our team will have the opportunity to impact the local community in many ways and encourage the work of the local church that is already going on. Our team will be working alongside the Comas Church to feed children in impoverished areas while visiting and working on some of the homes in these areas. We will be building relationships in the local neighborhoods as we work with their street evangelism ministry to attract people and share the gospel. Encouraging the children who are apart of the Christian Missionary Alliance is also a key objective of our trip.

Thank you friends for your prayers and support for our team and the people of Peru that we get share Christ with.

If you wish to help, you can donate online at the link to the right, or send check to Fellowship Bible Church,1210 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027, payable to “Fellowship Bible Church,” note my name on the memo line.

Peace and Joy,

Zack Stroup

Our Life Together

The past 2.2 months have flown by with wedding planning almost every spare moment. This is a fun, challenging, and adventurous season. I have learned that this is not an exercise for the faint of heart! The highlights of these exciting days are dreaming and planning our big day and the life together to follow.

Cindy Portell, is Paige's mom and our wedding coordinator (we fondly call her our wedding moordinator, when you put mom and coordinator together you get an amazing explosive combination of wedding planner and love! Cindy has been a great alley and resource for Paige and I to bounce our ideas off. It is so much fun working with her! Thanks for walking so closely with us!

More fun wedding activities include sharing our engagement story with family and friends, address hunting, booking our honeymoon, deciding the fun things to do at our reception ie. DJ or Band, attending Singarama with Doug and Cindy to see Ashley's super creative award-winning choreography (way to go Ash!!!), collecting more addresses, pre-marriage counseling at Fellowship, our annual Easter Party with the Wheelers, meeting Don & Chris and their stellar families and energetic grandkids, wedding band hunting, and working on our blog.

The spring weather is finally here making every tree and flower burst forth in fresh glory. We are learning how to work together as a team and searching our hearts for what makes Zack and Paige together so special.

What a gift it is to work so close to a woman who radiates so much joy and love. She is so good to me. I am so thankful for her encouragement and wise words. I love seeing her come alive as we struggle and make the most out of every moment of our engagement.

Engagement Pictures