In August of freshman year, Holden's heart skipped a beat when he saw Macey for the first time at "Meet the Cavs" before school started. It was love at first sight. That very evening, with butterflies in his stomach, he added her on Snapchat. From there, their friendship quickly blossomed. They were just 15 and 14 years old.

After Holden added Macey on Snapchat, their friendship flourished. They chatted constantly, about everything and nothing, sharing their favorite songs, inside jokes, and dreams for the future. They grew close quickly, spending time together at football games, group hangouts, and long walks between classes.

Holden had fallen for her from the very beginning, but the more time he spent with Macey, the more he knew she was someone special. Her laugh lit up his world, and her kind heart made everything feel better. After months of building an undeniable connection, he gathered the courage to ask her a question he had been holding onto for a while. One evening while watching the Superbowl at a family friend's house, Holden turned to Macey, his heart pounding. With a nervous smile, he asked, "Macey, will you be my girlfriend?" Macey's smile widened, and she said yes, sealing the moment that would forever be etched in their memories. From that day on, they weren't just best friends; they were partners, navigating high school side by side. Their journey had just begun.

As summer approached, Macey and Holden's bond deepened, not just as a couple, but also in their faith. One of the most transformative moments came during Beach Week, a church retreat they attended together. During one powerful evening, they both felt a calling to take a significant step in their spiritual journey. Side by side, they decided to get baptized, marking a shared commitment not only to their faith but also to the path they were walking together. The experience was profound for both of them. It wasn’t just about the act of baptism—it symbolized a deeper connection in their relationship with Jesus. They were no longer just growing together as a couple; they were building a foundation based on shared values and beliefs. From that day forward, they often reflected on how Beach Week had changed not only their faith but also solidified their future as partners who would continue to grow together in all aspects of life!

As Macey and Holden approached their nine-month anniversary, their relationship was stronger than ever. They had shared so many "firsts" together and now homecoming was just around the corner. Holden knew that he wanted to make this moment special. Though they were already a couple, he wanted to formally ask Macey to be his date for homecoming. Holden planned a sweet surprise, gathering some of Macey’s favorite things: a handwritten note, her favorite candy, and a bouquet of flowers. After school one day, she was on her way to his house, his heart racing as he stood in his yard with letters that read, "HOCO?" Macey, smiling from ear to ear, said yes without hesitation.

When Macey and Holden's one-year anniversary arrived, it felt like a huge milestone—one filled with countless memories, shared experiences, and a deepening connection. As they sat down for dinner, both couldn’t help but reflect on how much had happened in just a year. From that first Snapchat add and those awkward group hangouts to now their one-year dating anniversary, they had grown so much together.

Junior year homecoming in 2020 was unlike any other. With covid affecting everything, traditional school events were either canceled or scaled down significantly, but Macey and Holden were determined to make the most of it. Though there wasn't a big school dance, they planned a quieter, more intimate evening. They got dressed up and met for pictures and dinner, reminiscing about their past homecomings and how much had changed. It was a different kind of celebration, but one that felt even more meaningful because they were still by each other’s side, navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic together. What could have been a disappointing experience turned into another cherished memory for them—proof that, no matter the circumstances, they could always find joy and connection with each other.

As Macey and Holden’s two-year anniversary approached, their relationship had grown even deeper. They had now spent two full years together, navigating high school, growing closer in faith, and supporting each other through every challenge. A big moment during this time was Holden’s decision to commit to Abilene Christian University (ACU), a step that marked a new chapter in his life and their relationship. Macey was so proud of him, knowing how much thought and care he had put into that choice.

Senior homecoming was a night to remember for Macey and Holden. After years of experiencing homecoming together, this one felt particularly special as it was their final dance of high school.

Holden’s signing day to commit to playing baseball at ACU was a significant moment, not just for him, but for Macey as well. The day was filled with excitement and anticipation, with friends, family, and coaches gathered to celebrate this incredible achievement. Macey felt a wave of pride as she watched Holden sign his commitment letter, solidifying his future in baseball. It was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. As he put pen to paper, she couldn’t help but remember all the practices, games, and late nights that had led him to this moment. After the ceremony, Holden turned to Macey, a huge smile on his face. They shared a heartfelt moment, knowing this was just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Macey celebrated with him, cheering him on and promising to support him every step of the way as he took this leap into college athletics. Their relationship was filled with shared dreams, and as they looked toward the future, both felt excited for the adventures and challenges that lay ahead. This signing day was more than just a personal achievement for Holden; it was a testament to their journey together and the bright future they were building side by side.

Macey and Holden celebrated their three-year anniversary! It was was more than just a celebration of the past; it was a reaffirmation of their commitment to each other and a promise to continue building a future filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.

Senior prom was a night filled with chaos and fun for Macey and Holden. After a night of dancing, laughter, and making memories with friends, 30 of their closest friends jumped on a party bus to head to Galveston for the weekend!

As Macey and Holden approached graduation, they faced an exciting yet bittersweet decision: Macey committed to studying at Texas A&M, while Holden signed on to play baseball at ACU. While both were thrilled about their respective paths, the reality of long-distance dating settled in.

High school graduation was a monumental day for Macey and Holden, filled with emotions as they prepared to close one chapter and step into the next. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, pride, and a hint of nostalgia as students wore their caps and gowns, ready to walk across the stage. As they gathered with friends and family, Macey and Holden exchanged glances, both feeling the weight of the moment. They reminisced about their journey together—how they had navigated the ups and downs of high school, supported each other through challenges, and celebrated countless milestones along the way. Once the ceremony ended and the caps were tossed into the air, the celebration began. Macey and Holden took pictures with their families and friends, capturing the joy of the day. They felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty about what lay ahead, especially with their upcoming long-distance relationship, but they knew they would always have the memories of high school to look back on.

On the morning of move-in, Macey, Holden, and her family arrived in College Station. Amid the chaos, Macey felt a sense of comfort knowing Holden would be by her side as she settled into her new home. When it was time to say goodbye, the weight of the moment hit hard. They found a quiet corner, holding hands tightly as they faced each other. Macey could see the emotions reflected in Holden’s eyes—both of them realizing that this was a significant transition. They promised to support each other, no matter the distance, and to make the most of their new experiences. With one last hug and a gentle squeeze of hands, they shared a bittersweet farewell. Macey watched as Holden walked away, her heart heavy but also hopeful for what lay ahead. The start of their long-distance relationship would bring its own set of challenges, but they were determined to keep their connection strong, reminding each other that this was just another chapter in their love story.

Once the long-distance relationship began, Macey and Holden made it a priority to visit each other as much as their schedules allowed. Every trip was filled with excitement and anticipation, a chance to reconnect with each other. Macey would plan her visits around Holden’s baseball schedule, often arriving just in time to catch one of his games. They would spend evenings exploring Abilene, trying out local restaurants, and enjoying the small-town charm together.

For their four-year anniversary, Macey and Holden decided to celebrate in style by attending an A&M vs. ACU basketball game in College Station. It was the perfect blend of school spirit and nostalgia, as both were excited to support their respective teams.

After their first year of long-distance dating, Macey and Holden had navigated a whirlwind of goodbyes and see-you-laters. Each visit brought a mixture of joy and sorrow, knowing that they would have to part ways again after cherished moments together. As they looked ahead, both were filled with excitement and optimism for what the future held. The distance had taught them resilience and deepened their love, reinforcing their commitment to one another. They knew that each goodbye was just another step toward their next adventure together, and they couldn't wait to see what the future had in store.

After spending the summer mostly apart, Holden moved Macey in for year two of long distance. The farewell was bittersweet, filled with hugs and promises to visit as often as possible. Macey watched Holden drive away, her heart heavy with the familiar ache of separation. But deep down, she felt a sense of hope and excitement. They had made it through a year apart, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Despite the distance, they felt a sense of balance in their relationship, with both of them embracing the uniqueness of each other’s worlds. Their weekends together became a beautiful blend of West Texas life and college fun, showcasing their love for each other and the adventures they shared. They often talked about a future where they could combine their lives—perhaps one day.

As Macey and Holden’s five-year anniversary approached, the excitement was palpable. They had journeyed through a whirlwind of experiences together—celebrating milestones, overcoming the challenges of long distance, and navigating their evolving lives. It felt surreal to think about how much they had grown as individuals and as a couple since their high school days.

After spending so many weekends in Abilene over the past two years, Macey decided it was time for a change. However, as time went on, Macey found that the long-distance relationship was becoming increasingly challenging. The emotional rollercoaster of goodbyes and the longing to be together weighed heavily on her. After much thought and discussion with Holden, she made a bold decision: she would graduate college early and move to Abilene at the start of the next semester. The decision felt liberating. Macey knew that being closer to Holden would allow them to fully invest in their relationship and experience life together without the constant anxiety of separation. When she shared the news with Holden, his eyes lit up with joy and pride. They both understood that this was a significant step, a commitment to building a future together! Their conversations shifted from coping with distance to planning their life in Abilene.

Macey made the big move to Abilene, excited to start this new chapter of her life. She quickly settled into her cozy house, which just so happened to be right next door to Holden’s place. It felt like fate, having him so close after all those months of long distance. Macey found a job as a nanny for a local family, which was a perfect fit for her. Balancing her nannying job, and job as a learning specialist at ACU with her studies online at A&M kept her busy, but she thrived in Abilene being next to Holden. Meanwhile, Holden was deep into his fall baseball season, dedicating long hours to practice and scrimmages. He worked hard on his studies, too, determined to keep up with his coursework while excelling on the field. Living next door to each other made everything easier. They could steal moments together in between classes and practices, sharing meals and laughter while supporting each other's ambitions. As they navigated the demands of work and school, Macey and Holden found that their love only grew stronger. Their daily routines intertwined seamlessly, allowing them to build a life together in Abilene filled with love, laughter, and new adventures. They cherished the simplicity of being neighbors, knowing that no matter how busy life got, they would always have each other just a door away.

On a Tuesday night, Macey was filled with curiosity and excitement when Holden picked her up for what he said was a special dinner. However, her intrigue quickly turned to surprise when he asked her to put on a blindfold before she got into his truck. Holden seemed nervous and blasted Noah Kahan in the car. As they drove to "dinner" Holden kept telling Macey it was a new restaurant they had never been to. Macey wondered where he could be taking her. She started to feel the familiar terrain of the country roads beneath them. Eventually, they arrived at her roommate's parent's ranch, a place that held fond memories for them both but Macey still did not know. Holden parked the truck, and Macey could hear the sounds of nature around them, but her excitement grew as she wondered what was in store and if what she thought could be happening was really happening. Holden helped her out of the truck and led her toward something that felt like an RTV (she was still blindfolded). “Okay, just a little further,” he reassured her, his voice warm and filled with nerves. Macey could feel the anticipation building as they drove up the rugged path, the cool breeze against her skin making her heart flutter. After a short ride, Holden finally stopped, and Macey could sense they had reached their destination. Holden took a knee and told Macey she could take off her blindfold. The sun was setting in the distance, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a magical backdrop for what felt like a moment frozen in time. As she removed her blindfold, her breath caught in her throat. There he was, looking into her eyes with an intensity that made her heart swell. With the ring in his hand and the sunset illuminating the moment, he asked her the question she had been dreaming of. “Will you marry me?” Macey responded with yes overwhelmed by the beauty of the moment. The intimate setting and the fading sunlight all made it feel like a scene from a romantic movie. She could hardly believe this was happening. As Holden slipped the ring onto her finger, she felt a rush of happiness wash over her. Little did she know that this moment had been in the making for months. Back in May, Holden had asked her parents for their blessing, and all summer long, he had been working on creating the perfect ring, the stone from April's first engagement ring and the band from Holden's grandma's ring. As they embraced, Macey felt a deep sense of gratitude for the love they had built together. This proposal marked not just a promise of forever, but a culmination of their journey—a journey filled with challenges, laughter, and a love that had only grown stronger with time. Underneath the vibrant sky, they celebrated their engagement, wrapped in each other’s arms, ready to embark on this new chapter together, side by side. Still in shock of the moment they took pictures, face-timed their closest friends and family, went to dinner after all, and headed back to Holden's house for a surprise engagement celebration! It was perfect!

BEST DAY EVER

Macey bought her dress in Fort Worth with the help of April and Danielle. It was the sweetest weekend!

We chose The Blue Magnolia for our wedding day!

We got to sign the wall in the chapel! HOOKEDONROOK 7-25-25