a day to remember

Our story began in the most unexpected of times—Spring of 2020 in the midst of COVID, when the world felt quiet and everything was closed. Fresh off finishing our master’s degrees at Clemson University—Moore with his MBA and me with my MS in Applied Health Research—we planned a simple first date: a picnic at Paris Mountain State Park. In true Bailey fashion, I was 20 minutes late, leaving Moore patiently waiting outside to pick me up. That morning, my best friend and now maid of honor, Taylor, had helped me get ready—and quietly cleaned up my rushed-out-the-door mess, somehow knowing this date might be the start of something important. From the moment we met, something just clicked. We popped champagne to celebrate our accomplishments, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. One picnic turned into hours chatting on my porch, and before we knew it, Moore smiled and asked, “Well, wanna get dinner too?” That’s how our first date turned into an 11-hour day—Chipotle on the mountain and Thai takeout back at home. I left that night completely smitten, already feeling certain he was something special. Not long after, life tested us. Moore moved to Birmingham for work, and I relocated to Columbia to pursue PA school. Two years of long distance followed, filled with visits, late-night calls, and FaceTime dates. Eventually, Moore returned to Greenville, and after graduating, I did too. Together again, we built a life—cheering on Clemson football, making memories with friends and family, exploring new restaurants, and purchasing our first home. Five years later, on a trip to California to visit my family, Moore planned one more surprise. While celebrating my birthday with wine tasting at Heitz Cellar, we wandered into the vines for photos. That’s when he got down on one knee, and through tears and disbelief, I said yes to forever with my best friend. What started as a simple picnic turned into a love story that carried us through distance, growth, and life’s biggest moments—and now, we can’t wait to begin our next chapter together and celebrate it with all of you. Your love, support, and the joy you’ve brought into our lives mean more to us than we can say. We’re so grateful—and so ready to celebrate together. Let the party begin!