How it all began…
“ I was always drawn to her blue eyes, red hair, and bubbly personality.”
— Buddy
“ I have always loved his sense of humor, small gestures of love, and he never fails to make me smile.”
— Mary Grace
THE START
Having both grown up in the same small town and having been family friends since their high school days, Buddy and Mary Grace’s paths had crossed in fleeting conversations/friendly smiles, but neither had ever really gotten the chance to truly know one another.
It wasn’t until Mary Grace’s junior year of college at Auburn University when she received a message from her mom, did their story take an unexpected turn. While working for her parent’s family business after graduating from Birmingham Southern and before entering the Army’s basic training course, Buddy was looking for a last “hoorah” to send him on his way. Lucky for him, Mary Grace needed a date for her sorority formal event.
THE RELATIONSHIP
The two were just getting to know each other when the COVID-19 shutdown began and Buddy was starting the Army basic training/Officer Candidate School. Needless to say, the two had no idea the journey God had in store for each of them. With one more year of college left for Mary Grace, Buddy was stationed in Columbus, Georgia. Although close in proximity, after months of being separated due to Covid restrictions, the two kept in touch by writing letters back and forth. Finally, Buddy was able to come home for holiday leave and the relationship became official.
Ironically, when Buddy did ask Mary Grace to be his girlfriend, rather than the typical response, Mary Grace replied, "Sure" instead of a solid yes. Almost four years later, the two still enjoy laughing about her answer.
Throughout the past four years, Mary Grace graduated from Auburn, and worked in Florida/Alabama, while Buddy has been stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. Through impossible schedules, long-distance flights, and constant communication, they were determined to make it work.
THE PROPOSAL
Fast forward to 07.21.23, the two found themselves on a family vacation in Hilton Head, SC. Unbeknownst to Mary Grace, Buddy had planned the most perfect proposal while away in California at NTC the month prior. After the most amazing week riding bikes, exploring the island, enjoying the beach, and more, they embarked on the sailboat ride on the last day of the trip.
As they were boarding the boat, the Captain mentioned that he would love to take professional pictures for their social media platforms, because everyone was dressed so nicely! Mary Grace jokingly looked at Buddy and said “Oh fun, I was made for this moment”… little did she know, it was her moment. As Buddy got down on one knee, she was in complete shock and overwhelmed with joy - the moment they had both patiently prayed for was finely here! It was time for the two to become one.
And the rest is history
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:2-3
