Many of you already know that Reece and Valerie have always led unconventional lives, so it only makes sense that, of all places, they met in Africa. Valerie and Reece met in November 2024 while she was on a 2-month work trip at the U.S. embassy in Ghana. After parting ways, they wasted no time making plans to see each other regularly, meeting in London, Rome, and DC over the next few months. In March 2025, Reece proposed to Valerie at St. Adalbert's Catholic Church, where her parents and grandparents were married, and they decided to elope at the courthouse the next day. After eloping, Reece, Valerie, and their parents celebrated at the South Bend Chocolate Cafe with cake and sandwiches, to which Valerie noted, "this can't be all we do." So, they decided to plan a wedding after they move back to the U.S. in the summer of 2026. Reece and Valerie will formally celebrate their love and commitment to one another on August 29, 2026. It is important to them that they state their vows in front of cherished friends and family, and bring their families together to meet one another and celebrate. They look forward to seeing everyone who is able to join in August 2026!