Amanda & Chuck: An At-home Wedding in Bradenton, FL

Family photos, an heirloom engagement ring, and a home-style wedding were the perfect way to celebrate Amanda and Chuck's love for each other and their families. The Bride Amanda Adams The Groom Chuck McKee The Date July 2 The phrase “A little hard work never hurt anyone” certainly rings true for Amanda Adams and Chuck McKee. The two met while working with their church group on a Habitat for Humanity project and really connected while hanging siding on a house! They bumped into each other at church the next day (and several weekends after that) and slowly got to know each other through email. Their first date was a bit unconventional: Chuck (now a 34-year-old law enforcement officer) was training for a triathlon when Amanda (now a 29-year-old teacher) mentioned that she was captain of the swim team in college. “He asked if I could help him with his stroke,” remembers Amanda. “I helped him out a little, but I don’t think he really needed it!” After the swimming lesson they shared a snack and talked for a while, and then a few days later met for a long lunch. “Our relationship started out slowly, but with it we built an amazing friendship that lasts until this day,” says Amanda. Two and a half years later, Chuck proposed on Christmas Eve with a ring that he had custom-made with diamonds that once belonged to Amanda’s great-grandmother.