19 Apr 2016 Couples: Natalie and James Horton

HER   Natalie Horton

Native of: Camden.

Education: Graduated Camden Fairview High School in 1997 and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro in 2001 with a bachelor of science degree in radio/TV with a management and sales emphasis.

Job: Foundation specialist at Unity Health.

Parents: Ricky and Pam Reid of Searcy.

Community activities: I am a member of the Junior Auxiliary of Searcy where I serve as public relations chair. I am also active in the Searcy chapter of Women Run Arkansas, and I completed the Searcy Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute.

Church activities: Member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where I play in the hand bell choir and serve on the administrative council, long range planning committee and Little Saints Child Development Center (board chair). I also lead a mom’s small group on Wednesday nights. I am a member of the Noahs of Ark Emmaus Community where I have worked several Chrysalis Flights, including serving with my husband as flight directors for Chrysalis 25.

Hobbies/special interests: Traveling, reading and cooking.

How would you describe yourself: I am a very easy going person. I’m pretty quiet and reserved when you first meet me, but I tend to open up the more I get to know someone.

Most enjoyed weekend activity: Just hanging out at home with my family and friends or taking a quick weekend getaway with my husband.

Favorite quote: “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.” (Philippians 4:6).

What do you love about living in the 501: I love that we have that small town community feel, but have access to wonderful big city amenities such as museums, restaurants and theme parks as well as outdoor activities like hiking trails and lakes. 

HIM   James Horton

Native of: Searcy.

Education: Graduated Searcy High School in 1997 and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro in 2001 with a bachelor of science degree in marketing with a logistics emphasis.

Job: Vice president of data processing at First Security Bank in Searcy.

Parents: John and Karon Horton of Judsonia and Tom and Jennifer Hooker of Monroe, Mich.

Community activities: United Way of White County Board (vice president of allocations); completed the Searcy Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute.

Church activities: Member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where I sing in the Chancel Choir and Praise Band and play hand bells; serve on the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (chair), Finance Committee and Administrative Council; a member of the United Methodist Men and 33 Series Men’s Group; assist in leading Sunday School and am a certified lay servant in the Northeast District of the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Also active in the Noahs of Ark Emmaus Community where I have served on the board of directors and as a flight director for Chrysalis.

Hobbies/special interests: Cooking, traveling and seeking out new culinary experiences.

How would you describe yourself: A witty sense of humor and someone who always has your back. Willing to listen any time you have a problem and give advice when I can. Also a bit of a neat freak.

Favorite restaurant in the 501: Central Park Fusion in Hot Springs.

Most enjoyed weekend activity: Grilling on the back porch with family and friends.

Favorite quote: “The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.”

What do you love about living in the 501: Being able to reach countless fun activities, great food and beautiful scenery within a couple hours’ drive while encountering friendly people along the way.

THEM

Residents of: Searcy.

How we met: We were set up on a blind date by James’s stepmom, Karon, and Natalie’s dad, Ricky.

The proposal: Our first date was on March 25, 2006, and within a few months, I knew this was the girl I was going to marry. In November, I had purchased the ring and had planned a time to ask Natalie’s dad for her hand in marriage. He agreed, but then, he was the one who helped introduce us.

I wanted to propose on our monthly anniversary but did not want it to be a Christmas present. However, I could not wait any longer, so Dec. 25 was going to be the day. With the help of some ladies at work, I wrapped the most complicated Christmas gift ever. I bought Natalie a jewelry chest as her Christmas gift and placed the ring in the top of the chest tied to a ribbon. The ribbon was then run out of the chest, out of the box the chest came in, out of the wrapping paper and used as the bow around the gift.

Written on the ribbon was a poem that ended with a proposal on the end tied to the ring. Christmas morning, it was just the two of us and, as you might have guessed, when she reached the end of the ribbon and the ring, the answer was, “Yes!”

Wedding bells: Aug. 25, 2007, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Searcy.

Children: Bella, 6, and Everett, 1.

Pets: Leroy, a long-haired Dachshund, and Daisy, a long-haired cat.