March 28, 2026 – Troy
“Hess and I grew up just 30 minutes away from each other and met in high school through mutual friends. We began dating in 2019 and quickly became high school sweethearts. Although we went on to attend different colleges and spent seasons of our relationship long-distance, home always held our hearts.
One place that has been especially meaningful to both of us is a piece of family land known as the Teel Place. It holds so many memories for Hess’s family and has become a special part of our own story as well. His parents lived there when they were first married, which made it even more meaningful for us to create memories of our own there. For every anniversary, Hess would take me to the top of the hill at the Teel Place, where we would have a picnic and watch the sunset together. It became one of our most cherished traditions.
When the time came to propose, Hess chose that same hill—the place that had already held so many of our favorite memories. Surrounded by the beauty of a place so special to us and our families, he planned the most perfect proposal. It felt incredibly meaningful and full-circle to begin our next chapter in the very place where so much of our love story had unfolded.” – Gracie
Advice From the Couple
“Our biggest piece of advice to other couples is to be intentional and truly soak in the moments with the people you love most. While it’s easy to get caught up in the details of planning, the memories we cherish most are the intimate moments we shared with our families throughout the day.
One of the most meaningful moments of our wedding was a special family prayer during our ceremony. Our parents and siblings joined us at the altar as my father prayed over our marriage, our future together, and the joining of our two families into one. Standing there surrounded by the people who had loved, supported, and shaped us throughout our lives was incredibly emotional and a beautiful reminder that our wedding was about so much more than just the two of us—it was about two families becoming one.
Family has always been at the center of our lives, and having them so intentionally woven into our wedding day made every moment even more meaningful. At the end of the day, the flowers, décor, and details are beautiful, but the moments spent with the people you love most are the memories you’ll cherish forever.” – Gracie
The Creatives
Bridal Gown: The White Room. Bridesmaid Gowns: Bellas Bridesmaids. Cake: Tara’s Temptations. Catering: Ketchem’s Catering. Ceremony Venue: First Baptist Church of Troy. Event Rentals: Brendle Rentals. Floral Design: Jeans Flowers. Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Barefield’s Store Ozark. Hair & Makeup: Styled. X Mackenzie. Linen: Stradley Davidson. Music/Entertainment: Trotline Band. Photography, Videography: Alex & Dylan Photo + Video. Reception Venue: Oak Acres Farm & Venue. Rings: Johnston Jewelers. Stationery: Magnolia Paperie Co. Transportation: Southern Coaches. Wedding Planner: Morgan Drinkard.
