Share Our Love

This is a kid free zone! Anyone under 16 is not allowed to have a RSVP.

Our Wedding

Saturday, October 10, 2026

3:00 pm - 5:00 pmLux Hotel and Spa117 S Watson Rd.Arlington, TX 76010All guests are asked to wear warm colors. For more information please refer to the attire section. Doors open at 2:00 pm, and close 15 mins before the ceremony to ensure an uninterrupted start.

Ceremony

5:00 pm - 6:00 pmLux Hotel and Spa117 S Watson Rd.Arlington, TX 76010Drinks and light Hors d'Oeuvres will be served.

Cocktail Hour 

6:00 pm - 10:00 pmLux Hotel and Spa117 S Watson Rd.Arlington, TX 76010

Reception

Please note this is a kids free zone! All guests must be 16 yrs and older! No exceptions! Thank you for honoring Eric &amp; Shanel's wishes.

Kids Free Zone

The Payne's Day

It all started in September 2022, Eric was newly hired as an overnight PM Operations Manager. An email Eric sent for clarity turned into an encounter he would never forget! On the other end of that email was a confident and direct response from Shanel Armstrong!! Eric was thinking "Was she trying to check me? Who is Shanel?" While Shanel was trying to figure out who Eric was! They worked opposite shifts, so for a long time they only knew each other through emails. That finally changed when their schedules overlapped. They met face to face for the first time with a simple exchange -"Oh, you must be Shanel.""And you must be Eric."According to Eric, during that first encounter Shanel rolled her eyes at him, but Shanel said it was a brief and professional interaction.A few years later, Shanel, was selling a grill- so Eric reached out and even sent the money, planned to pick it up... but timing never worked. However, to Eric's surprise Shanel had a brand-new grill sent directly to his house. He knew then that she was different!In October 2024, Eric showed Shanel that he was a protecter in an intense encounter at work, where he stepped in and protected her. He knew from then on he wanted to protect her in every way! According to Shanel, he did that and more! He was there during difficult times, and their friendship grew into something more.In December 2024, a phone call from Eric became an invite from Shanel! They talked for hours, shared laughs, and Shanel made gumbo (Eric jokes that she put something in that food). From that night on, they were inseparable.In June 2025, at Shanel's 40th Birthday Dinner, Eric surprised her with the question that changed everything:"Will You Marry Me?"

An Email Turned Into Forever 

Our Story

I Do

Shanel and I met in the 6th grade, and somehow she’s been stuck with me ever since. We survived middle school, high school, and even our first year of college together—which honestly deserves an award on its own. Almost 16 years ago, Shanel stood by my side as a bridesmaid in my wedding, and now I have the honor of doing the same for her. 

We’ve been through it all, and one thing is for sure—we’re riding until the wheels fall off… and then we’re walking.🤞🏾 

Alyssa

I'm the little, big sister of the Bride.  Together we have conquered the world and I look forward to conquering more together!  As sisters we share everything, even friends.  You're the best aunt my sons can have and I thank you for always being there.  I’m honored to be a part of this union of two beautiful souls. May God always be included in their journey and blessed they shall be.


Shavon

For over 40 years, we’ve shared a bond that goes far beyond best friends. We've been lifelong best friends, cousins at heart, and each other’s safe place. We’ve even shared a home, creating memories that still live in our hearts today.

We’ve always had our own language, talking fast, calling each other “Gurl!” Even when Mrs. McGregory would fuss and tell us to "slow down", that joy, that connection has always been ours.

Through every chapter, we’ve remained constant in each other’s lives, grounded in friendship, loyalty, and a deep understanding that only comes with time. This is a forever friendship that continues to grow, strengthen, and mean more with each passing year.

May you always choose each other through every season and build a marriage rooted in trust,love, joy, and deep friendship. 

Marqueitta 

I am so amazed to be a part of such a special and memorable moment for Shanel and Eric. I am the sister of the bride (Baby Sister that is). and just being able to see the smile on my sisters face from the love I always knew she deserved from a man who loves her flaws and all and also who fits right in with the family is always a win for me ! I love you both and I’m so excited for this new journey you guys are staring


Lynisha

The girl who started as your sister’s friend and somehow got upgraded to full sister status in the best ways possible.  (no returns allowed). I came with no warnings, zero chill, but full of love.

Somewhere along the way, we stopped explaining the bond and just started living it—because when you know, you know. Built-in sister, lifetime friend, and just the right amount of crazy to keep the group text interesting.

Lavonna

I’ve had the honor of calling the bride my sister/friend since the 6th grade. What we thought might turn into a fight at 10 years old somehow turned into a friendship that has lasted over 30 years! Through every season of life, she has been so much more than a friend—she’s family. She calls me “Rose,” and that name holds so much love between us. Standing beside her on one of the most special days of her life is truly an honor. I love her beyond words, and honestly, blood couldn’t make us any closer. 💕


Erica

I met Shanel when she was around 15 and I was 14. My mother used to braid her and her sisters’ hair, and their house was one of the only places my mom would let me spend the night. I was there every weekend, especially after she got her car for her 16th birthday.

I became her little cousin, and I got to hang at all the U-City track meets, games, and high school parties with her. Some of the best times with her and Marqueitta — you just had to be there lol.

I’m beyond honored to stand beside her on her wedding day. I wish you both so much love, friendship, happiness, and a bond that stays strong forever. Always put God first. I love you both! 🤍

Kavina

The beautiful Junior Bridesmaid is the daughter of the groom.

Madison

The beautiful flower girl which is the youngest daughter of the groom.

Emily

Jared

Miaron

Adrian 

Anthony

My name is RJ, I am the groom’s younger cousin. I was in and out growing up with him as a kid. But at the end of the day that’s my family and I look up to him and I will always have his back right after JP …. I wish him the best on his marriage journey. Peace, love and joy


Roger

Brandon

Tommy

Alex is the handsome nephew of the groom.

Alex

Creed is the handsome nephew of the bride.

Creed

Sincere

Jaylon is the handsome nephew of the groom.

Jaylon

Wedding Party

Always Us!

Always Us

Help us paint the day with warm tones. We'd love for our guest to dress in colors such as golden yellows, copper, brown, rust, and burgundy. To match the ambiance of our day. No green please! Your glow is the finishing touch!

Attire 

**Please note, in order to use the discount code you have to call the hotel at the above number.

Eric & Shanel

Eric & Shanel

Always Us