It all began in college, Reese, a freshman at Arlington Baptist University ready to play volleyball, and Cooper, a junior baseball player at Dallas Christian College. The two may have attended different schools, but fate (and their friend Clay, the ultimate matchmaker) had other plans. Clay, a childhood friend of Cooper’s and fellow student at ABU, introduced them, and just like that, the story began.

Cooper thought Reese was absolutely beautiful from the moment they met, and he was pretty convinced she was out of his league. Reese, on the other hand, appreciated that Cooper was taller than her. (A win!) While it wasn’t love at first sight for both parties, Cooper’s persistence eventually won her over. Even when Reese was ignoring his texts, he kept sending them. She figured anyone that committed must be worth getting to know.

Their first date was a fishing trip, romantic, awkward, and surprisingly comfortable all at once. That’s when Cooper realized this could be something special. Reese caught on a little later, after noticing Cooper kept showing up (sometimes uninvited, sometimes on purpose) just to see her before curfew at midnight. That consistency, paired with his charm, eventually reeled her in, pun very much intended.

Over the years, their relationship grew through many milestones: college graduations, career beginnings, and a shared love of hockey — even if Reese originally thought Cooper’s obsession with the Dallas Stars was a bit much. Now she yells at the TV right alongside him. They are definitely different in some ways. Cooper has never met a stranger and can strike up a conversation with literally anyone or thing, even a wall. Reese, on the other hand, likes to sit back, observe, and decide if someone is worth talking to (spoiler: Cooper was). They balance each other well: Reese gets Cooper to try food groups beyond hamburgers, and Cooper encourages Reese to take chances and try new things, like golf, which he just picked up himself now that his baseball days are behind him.

Through all the laughs and learning curves, one thing has always been at the center of their relationship: their faith.

On May 10, 2025, Cooper proposed in Waco, Texas, with the help of friends Griffin and Jenna. The plan was disguised as a “bestie photo shoot” so Jenna and Reese could finally get some pictures for their apartment. Reese said yes without thinking much of it, of course inviting Cooper along. Little did she know, everyone was already in on the surprise.

Out on Griffin’s family land, after snapping a few photos, Cooper took Reese further into the pasture. Griffin casually switched lenses (a sneaky sign that something was up), and Cooper got down on one knee. Reese doesn’t remember much of what he said, just that she said yes. Cooper was thrilled she loved the ring he designed… and also relieved he didn’t mess up the plan.

Now, they are stepping into marriage excited, expectant, and anchored in God’s promises. They know that life won’t always be butterflies and rainbows, but they’re ready to walk through every season together with Jesus at the center.

Reese holds tight to Micah 7:8: “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.” It reminds her that even in hard times, the Lord is always with her, guiding her through.

Cooper lives by Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” It reminds him that the trials of today are nothing compared to the joy ahead.

Together, they’re building a life full of laughter, purpose, prayer, and maybe a few too many hockey games. Their relationship isn’t perfect, but it’s rooted in grace, driven by intention, and strengthened by love.

Photos

Photos coming soon!