We're getting married!

Before the couple ever officially met, Reese had already heard about him through mutual friends because they had ROTC with him. They even had each other on Snapchat, but for a while, they were just names on a screen. One day, Reese decided to reach out-and little did she know, that single message would change everything. From that moment, they clicked instantly and have been inseparable ever since. Evan even went to all of her home tennis matches to support her before they were officially dating (Reese was so nervous that she lost every match!), but that just showed how much Evan already cared. It didn’t matter how the match turned out-what mattered was that Evan was there.

Their very first date was on September 22, 2019, at Woodside Apple Orchard. It was one of those perfect fall days-the kind of day that feels cozy and memorable without even trying. Between apple picking, laughing, and simply enjoying being together (and Reese's WHOLE family LOL) they both felt something special right away. Neither of them realized it at the time, but that simple orchard date would become one of their favorite memories and the start of a love story that has carried them all the way here.

Even though they went to different high schools, their relationship kept growing stronger with each passing year. They didn’t see each other in the hallways every day like most couples did, but they made the most of every chance they got to spend time together. Between cheering each other on, late-night phone calls, and countless messages, they built a connection that was unshakable. Those years shaped them-not just as a couple, but as best friends who could get through anything together.

After graduation, life took them in different directions as Reese went off to college. Suddenly, their everyday routines together were replaced by FaceTime calls, monthly visits, and counting down the days until they could see each other again. They spent four years navigating long distance, and while it wasn’t always easy, it made their relationship even stronger. Looking back, those years only proved that no matter the distance, they were always meant to be.

When college ended, so did the distance. After years of waiting and wishing they could be in the same place, they finally got to start building a life together in an apartment that Evan built for the two of them. Moving in together has been one of the sweetest chapters of their story-everyday things like cooking dinner, relaxing after long days, or just being in the same room now feel like little gifts they don’t take for granted. They’re grateful for how far they’ve come and even more excited for all the moments ahead.

The day Evan proposed started off like any other. After a little (okay, a lot of) begging, Evan gave in and drove Reese 40 minutes just so she could have her favorite lunch-Jersey Mike’s. They came home afterward, full and happy, and spent the afternoon relaxing without the slightest clue of what was to come. Later that evening, Evan suggested watching the sunset. Reese, cozy in her sweats, quickly changed and hopped in the car, not realizing this would be the most memorable sunset of her life. They drove to Breakwater Beach, found a quiet spot, and watched as the sky turned pink and orange. As the sun sank lower, Evan asked Reese to stand. With the sweetest speech and a ring hidden in his pocket, he got down on one knee and popped the question. In all the excitement, neither of them can quite remember if Reese ever said “yes” before the ring was on her finger! The moment was filled with hugs, kisses, and even applause from a nearby couple who had witnessed it all. Simple, romantic, and absolutely perfect.