The DeGruchy's

In light of the on going restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on May 14, 2021 we were married in a small, private ceremony in the presence of our immediate family and close friends. We hope you can understand our need to keep our loved ones safe and healthy while still wanting to get married. We would love for you to join us on our one-year anniversary in 2022 for a vow renewal ceremony and formal reception to follow.

One weekend I was invited to hang out at a new friend's apartment and of course as a young college freshman, I said yes. I get there and after making the introductions, someone asked if we could play music. Not thinking much of it, I walked over to the aux input and started scrolling through my phone for the perfect song. "What are you going to play?", I looked up and saw a guy standing behind my shoulder curiously glancing at my go to playlist. Thomas, I would later learn like me, loves music and wasn't happy someone had beaten him to the punch. I knew what song I played would be important, but I couldn't have known how important. Thankfully he liked my choice. We chatted the rest of the night about music and college, realizing we had actually been at some of the same hangouts, but hadn't met until that night. The next weekend I had a sorority date function, and thought about the handsome, sweet guy I had met the weekend before. A few texts later and he agreed to travel up from Greenville to be my date! Since then, all of my best memories were shared with Thomas at my side. We attended countless football games, weekends downtown with friends, trips to the beach and beyond. I watched him graduate in 2016 from East Carolina University and begin his career as an Athletic Programs Specialist, where his passion for sports and service shines. He supported me through my undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and as I obtained my Master of Science in Accountancy from UNC- Wilmington. My favorite milestone however, is when we adopted our wonderful dog, Moose, who is loved beyond words. Thomas and I have seen so many changes in the nearly 6 years we have spent together; but with that time our love has only grown and strengthened. It is a privilege to be loved by him, one I will be blessed to experience every day of our lives.

I was riddled with nervousness as the weekend I had planned to propose approached. I informed Kayla I was taking her on a small day visit to Wilmington; which happens to be the home of our favorite restaurant, The Copper Penny. With Friday arriving and the big plan for Saturday, of course there was rain in the forecast. Kayla was giddy with excitement, already looking forward to an activity after exhausting our entertainment options due to COVID-19 quarantine. I had to inform her we were going to have to reschedule the activity I had planned for Sunday and as you can imagine, Saturday came and went with much anticipation. Sunday morning arrived and we set out for the stunning Airlie Gardens. We arrived at the Gardens and the weather could not have been more beautiful. The sun was warm, there was a light ocean breeze, and the flowers were vibrant as we started our journey through the gardens. As we reach the pergola that contained the perfect spot I had picked out, of course there is another couple there taking pictures. As I begin to get frazzled and started what seemed like an endless rambling of small talk, the couple finally exited. We walked down the vine covered path to the open patio that lead down to the water. I turned to Kayla, explained to her how much she meant to me and asked her to marry me. By the looks of this website, she obviously said yes! I couldn’t think of a better way to begin this next chapter of our lives than knowing that in a couple months, I’ll get to marry my best friend.