Our story began in high school, Maggie was 16 (a sophomore) and Reese was 17 (a junior). We first crossed paths at all the classic high school basement parties (lol), where our friend groups slowly started to merge. When prom season rolled around, Reese was one of the last without a date, and since no one had asked Maggie yet, Griffin Swinney (Reese’s childhood friend and now a groomsman) stepped in and begged Maggie to go with him. Even though we didn’t know each other very well, we said yes, and the rest started to fall into place. Reese got Maggie’s number to “get to know her better” and eventually asked her on a very romantic high school date to Chick-fil-A (where Maggie paid for her own chicken sandwich, strong start, Reese), followed by a hike. Reese still insists it wasn’t a date, but it absolutely was. From there, we talked nonstop, spent all our time together, and gave our parents heart attacks every time we snuck out late just to see each other. Maggie fell in love with Reese’s quirky personality, and Reese fell in love with Maggie’s endless energy, and soon after, we made it official. Through high school, Maggie cheered Reese on from the sidelines while he played football, and we shared countless homecomings, proms, and memories with our friend group. Eventually, Reese headed to Arizona State and Maggie went to the University of Kansas, and somehow we made a long-distance relationship work for five years. Between endless FaceTime calls, weekend visits, and any excuse to travel just to be together, we made it through, even without knowing if long distance would actually work for us. After college, everything finally lined up. We wasted no time moving in together. Reese landed a job at his startup that allowed him to work from home, Maggie started her nursing career at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and we got to live exactly where we always dreamed, in Chicago. We quickly adopted our dog, Moe, reunited with friends, and found ourselves close to family again. Looking back, we wouldn’t change a thing.

After eight years together, Reese decided it was finally time to make it official. Since Maggie had never been to Europe, they planned a trip together, though Maggie had no idea Reese had already picked the perfect proposal spot. During college, Reese had taken a trip to Ghent, Belgium with his older brother Chase, and he had fallen in love with the city, with its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, canals, and charming vibe. While still there and on a long-distance FaceTime call with Maggie, he knew Ghent would be the perfect place to pop the question. They started their trip in Paris and then took the train to Ghent. Reese led Maggie to a quiet park with willow trees along the canal and proposed. Maggie said yes, and their photographer captured the moment and took them all over the city giving them the official tour. The adventure continued in Amsterdam and Munich for Oktoberfest, where they celebrated their engagement and love. A trip to always remember!

We chose to get married in Naples because it has always been such an important place to Reese and has become equally special to Maggie. Reese’s grandma, Corinne, has been bringing the family there since they were kids, and Reese has spent every Christmas with his entire family there since he was a baby. Reese started taking Maggie there in college for spring break trips, and over time, Maggie became part of the tradition of spending New Year’s in Naples. It’s not just a place to celebrate holidays — it’s deeply meaningful to their family. Reese’s aunt Andrea and uncle Tracy even got married there! Getting married in Naples also gives us the opportunity to celebrate in Corinne’s church, St. Williams. Being surrounded by family, tradition, and the city that holds so many memories made it the perfect place to say “I do.”