Love is in the air this month, and we’re sharing some endearing love stories of Fayetteville to celebrate the many connections that make this town feel like home! Whether through shared passions, college classes, or crazy connections, each couple's journey reflects the spirit of Fayetteville—where love, adventure, and growth go hand in hand.
THE HALL FAMILY
In April 2021, Riley invited me to play in a men’s slow-pitch softball game, unaware he’d also invited a friend, who was initially annoyed by my presence. Riley reassured him, saying I was good (I played at UNC). We chatted in the dugout and realized we went to the same CrossFit gym. The next day, we worked out in the same class, and I tried to “flirt” by almost beating him. Though I hesitated when I learned he was 5 years younger, I eventually embraced my “Cougar” status. We started dating and married in August 2024, 6 months into the best adventure yet!
THE HANNAH FAMILY
We met at the University of Arkansas, where we instantly bonded over athletics and our love for the Razorbacks. He played football, and I swam. After 3 years of dating, we got engaged, knowing we wanted to marry at our special place—where our relationship began. In June 2023, we were married in front of Old Main and celebrated at Carnall Hall, calling the Hogs. Fayetteville will always be home, where our family’s story started.
THE RODRIGUEZ FAMILY
It all began in August 2009 in Mr. Emerson’s chemistry class. From the moment the bell rang, signaling the start of junior year, time seemed to stand still for Alejandro and Alejandra. We were the only two in the room, and our story was just beginning. We became best friends, and by December 9, 2010, he asked me to be his girlfriend. After dating through high school and college, we married in 2016 at St. Joseph Church in Fayetteville. Now, with three kids—Carolina, Santiago, and Angela—we continue to build on that bond.
THE BRAY FAMILY
We met in Fayetteville in 2018—me working at a local startup post-grad, and her interning while finishing her senior year at the U of A. I had an instant crush and asked for her number at a Halloween party I hosted with my roommates. Our first date was at Hugo’s, and our first kiss was outside the post office on Dickson. I proposed there, in the rain, with honking cars celebrating. After living in Dallas, we moved back to Fayetteville, bought our first home, and got married a few weeks ago!
THE EASON FAMILY
Our story began unexpectedly at the NWA Mall while job hunting. We stopped by Foot Locker because a friend knew the manager, but I wasn’t interested. After visiting several stores, I was ready to leave. A salesman, persistent with a big smile, tried to help me, and I, admittedly rude, told him I’d wait in the car. Later, my friend returned and said, “I got the job, and he wants your number.” I thought she meant my other friend, but she clarified, “No, ‘the one with the attitude.” 23 years later, we’re still in Fayetteville, grateful for the journey we’ve shared.
THE BIETZ FAMILY
We officially met as New Student Orientation Mentors the summer before junior year, and our friendship slowly grew into something deeper during long hours working with incoming freshmen. Just before fall, we started dating. Over the next five years, our relationship deepened, and Tim proposed at Whitaker's Point in Devil's Den in 2020. We were married in July 2021. Now, our children attend the daycare center on campus, just minutes from where we fell in love. The U of A remains a cornerstone of our story—it's where we met, and now it's the playground for our children.