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.