[Written by Katelyn]

”Reggie and I met at Presbyterian College in 2012 at the start of our freshman year. We were coincidentally taking Biology 105 together, and were assigned to the same study/class group. It was just me and three random guys. Reggie was different from the other two; he was a freshman just like me, and he was similarly taking the course to fulfill a prerequisite to attend pharmacy school. We quickly learned our schedules were almost identical- we had every class together, with the exception of freshman seminar. After the struggles of college set in, I realized how convenient it was to have a point person in every class: a buddy to touch base with on notes and follow up questions. I suggested we map out our schedules together the next semester, and he agreed. We also decided to change our plans from the 2-year prerequisite track to the 3-year dual degree program to give us more time to enjoy the collegiate experience.

Around the same time, both of us parted ways with previous relationships; I continued to casually date, while Reggie focused on work and school. Our friendship grew stronger as time went by semester after semester, as we continued to map out our schedules together. This consisted of many late nights! Eventually the time came to apply to Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy; we interviewed together and were accepted to attend Fall 2015. In Spring 2016, we talked about the inseparable bond we had developed; many people had told us along the way that we had undeniable chemistry and should date. Being an interracial couple in the South was likely going to be a difficult challenge and Reggie wanted to make sure I was mentally prepared to accept that everyone will not approve of our relationship. We both agreed it was something we wanted to give a shot, and despite some hurdles, we have been together ever since. As cliché as it may be, we began dating February 14, 2015. We dated throughout pharmacy school, and with many personal and educational struggles along the way, Reggie has been my rock. He supported me while I juggled being class president for 2 years, recruited for school organizations, through my multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018, not matching for a pharmacy residency… the list never seems to end!

After graduation, Reggie moved to Morehead City, NC for a year to complete a pharmacy residency, while I started work at the hospital I fell in love with on school rotations. Long distance was difficult! We saw each once every 2-3 months due to the 6.5-hour drive! Once he was finished, he moved back to my apartment, started his new job, and vowed bigger and better would be coming soon. He told me he had worked so hard the year he was away and had been putting money away for an engagement ring.

The clock was ticking! He insisted I needed to have my nails done, but with work at the hospital, the window was narrow. He knows my favorite flower is hydrangeas, and picked the local garden for the spot - Hatcher Gardens. Though we missed the hydrangea season, it was still perfect. We became engaged on August 22, 2020. From there, we debated briefly on an elopement, but decided to go big or go home: a wedding with our intimate friends and family it was! Reggie wanted to be engaged for no more than a year since we had already dated for so long. The time crunch was on! Our desired venue was available for May 22, 2021, only 8 months away in the midst of Covid rebooking.

After sifting through what felt like hundreds of photographers’ Instagram accounts, Reggie and I fell in love with Terrell’s ability to capture natural moments! Terrell was the second vendor we booked, and I am so glad we did! We met at a local coffee shop (Little River Coffee Bar), and were blown away by his professionalism and positive energy. We now have a coffee shop and photographer we will go with forever!”