Anna Grace and Reese’s story began long before college applications and career plans. They first met as junior high students, where a shared sense of humor and easy friendship quickly tied them together. By the time freshman year of high school arrived, that friendship had grown into something deeper. What started as young love became a steady, faithful relationship, one that would last eight years and carry them all the way through college.

Throughout high school, Anna Grace and Reese found joy in many of the same passions. Show choir, travel, and long days filled with practices and performances shaped their memories. They learned how to support one another through busy schedules, late nights, and big dreams, always cheering each other on.

Their journey continued at Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi, where their lives became even more intertwined. Anna Grace threw herself into campus life, becoming a member of the Golden Girls Dance Team, Swannanoa Social Tribe, honor societies and campus clubs where she built lasting friendships and grew as a leader. Reese embraced the MC experience too, balancing classes with work at Newk’s and enjoying the rhythm of campus life. Side by side, they grew not only as students and individuals, but as a couple.

In 2025, they reached an important milestone together—graduation from Mississippi College. Reese earned his degree in Computer Science and set his sights on a future in software development and computer programming, excited to build and create in a field he loves. Anna Grace graduated with a degree in Biological Sciences and boldly stepped into her next chapter, pursuing a PhD at UMMC in Neuroscience , driven by curiosity and a passion for research.

Outside of their academic goals, Anna Grace and Reese treasure the simple things in life: movie nights, eating Mexican food, cooking meals together, and dreaming out loud about what the future holds.

On August 13th, Reese got down on one knee and asked Anna Grace to marry him. Her answer - a resounding YES!

After years of growing together, they are excited to begin their next season of life in Madison, carrying with them a foundation built on friendship, shared experiences, and unwavering love and support.

Their story is one of growing up together, of choosing each other through every season, and of looking ahead with hope, love, and a shared vision for the life they are building side by side.