GAZELLE MAGAZINE MAY 2018 | Page 32

LOVE & ROMANCE Rebekah Stanek & Joshua Thackston BRIDAL BLISS DATE: August 26, 2017 VENUE: Noboleis Vineyards in Augusta, Missouri ABOUT THE COUPLE: She works in the front office of a dental clinic in Chesterfield. He is an instructional designer and media developer in Maryland Heights. HOW DID YOU MEET? Rebekah: We attended the Journey Church in Murray, Kentucky, where we both graduated from Murray State University. Josh was a volunteer with the children’s group at the church, and I had stayed the summer in Murray. During the summer of 2011, Josh and I went on a mission trip to Guatemala with a small group from our church. 30 GAZELLE WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO EACH OTHER? Rebekah: After spending a week in Guatemala together, serving the people there, I was attracted to how much of a caring personality he had for others. I also thought that he had a great smile. The more that we got to know each other, I realized that it was always so easy and comfortable to be myself around him. Josh: She has beautiful eyes, a great smile and a kind heart. HOW HE PROPOSED Rebekah: As a couple, we have always enjoyed exploring different places. On New Year’s Eve, Josh planned for us to spend the whole day exploring St. Louis. Our first stop was at the City Museum. Our next stop was