January 21, 2010 8:19pm EST “I need chocolate stat”. (@karpo*)
January 21, 2010 8:24 pm EST “What kind?”. (@randyarcher)
…So began the fantastic journey that Randy and Karla find themselves on today.
Social media is becoming more and more integrated into our daily lives. Along with that, we are told to “Be transparent; stop doing what you hate doing.”
We have made a conscious effort to do just that: live our lives doing what we love and be open about it as we go along.
So how, exactly, did social media get us to where we are today?
From that initial tweet made by Karla, and through other sources of technology (texts, Facebook, email, phone) our relationship was able to go from friendly banter, to our announcement that we will be getting married.
Daily photos, phone calls, direct messages and texts have allowed us to stay connected in spite of the fact that we live over 700 miles away from each other. (and the fact that Southwest Airlines [@SouthwestAir] has direct flights from Baltimore to Birmingham is a huge bonus…)
As we move forward, we will continue to use technology and social media to stay in touch and go about planning our life together: Karla’s children will get to know Randy more and help plan their new rooms by using Skype. This website will be updated regularly so that family and friends can learn more about our relationship and our plans. Photos will be sent to record progress on changes being made as Randy prepares his/our home in Birmingham, Alabama for Karla and the children’s arrival in July. We’ve also combined our businesses and will be managing that online as well.
And there will continue to be plenty of tweets.
Many people will question and doubt us simply because of the way that we met and got to know each other. But the truth is, the social landscape has changed. As has the world.
The way we have done it is no less authentic and real than if we had met at a bar or through mutual friends.
In fact, it’s quite possible that the way we met has allowed us to get to know each other on a deeper level more quickly.
Because we were both open and willing to accept the fantastic and embrace living differently, we are now happier and feel more blessed than either of us ever have in our lives. We are living our dream.
May you live yours.
About Randy:
Randy Archer is a Southern bred New Media videographer, editor, designer at CreekBank Films/Archer Creative, with a passion for tech, social media and laughter.
Shaking things up. Asking why? Solving problems. Having fun. Exploring better ways. These are daily pursuits that he applies to the way he lives and works.
Walking the path less traveled is the only place he really feels at home. Even though that path is often dark, lonely and unexplored, he believes the best rewards of life are obtained in continuing forward on the journey into the unknown.
Deciding to get married, after a painful divorce, to someone who wants to walk the path with him, hand in hand, was one of the easiest things he’s done in his life.
Currently living in Birmingham, Alabama in a 2 bedroom 2 bath house, he’s going to be doing a lot of DIY home improvement projects in his spare time as he prepares to be the “dad dude” to 4 awesome kidz this summer when his family comes home.
(to read his professional bio click here)
About Karla:
Karla Porter is a mama to 4 littles, a technophile, a writer and a graphic designer. Her life can be pretty messy and chaotic, but never boring.
She has always heard a different rhythm in her head and has tried to dance to that, rather than how everyone else is dancing. It’s not always graceful. Or flowing… Her mama and daddy always knew she was strong-willed…
Residing in Frederick, MD when she met Randy, she and the kids relocated to Birmingham, AL in May 2010 to live their life fantastic.
(read here for her professional bio)
*formerly @karpo – now @karlaarcher
