Rehearsal Dinner

Wildflower Wedding Venue

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

We met on a trip to Washington DC through 4-H in the Summer of 2018. We came back and became closer as friends. Over the next several months, we started to become more than friends. We officially started our relationship in Spring of 2019. Then, it was off to college. Ali began her studies in Psychology with a Pre-OT concentration and Garey was off to flight school. We supported each other and were there for every struggle that comes with college and learning to be an adult. As we grew, so did our relationship. Garey made it through flight school, and Ali through her Bachelor's, Master's, and earned her OTR, but there is no way we could have made it without the other. On Oct 14th 2024, Garey made the best choice of his life, and asked Ali to be his best friend forever and to marry him. After the shock of it all, and realizing that Garey was in fact "For real for real", she said, "Yes!" Neither of us would be who we are without the other, and this is just the start to forever and always.

Our Story

We met on a 4-H leadership conference to Washington DC (Citizenship Washington Focus) and became friends during and following our trip.

June 2018

Ali was at State Fashion revue for modeling a princess dress she made, and Garey was at a State Shooting Sports competition. He came over to the arts center to meet her and chat after his competition.

August 2018

As best friends (but not dating), Ali drove to Canon City to visit Garey and exchange Christmas gifts. We made gingerbread houses, but somehow didn't actually take any pictures together.

December 2018

Garey came to Broomfield to celebrate Ali's birthday. Ali's dog, Annabelle was very overprotective of her girl, and glared at Garey like this for the first few years of their relationship.

February 2019

Ali went back to Canon City to celebrate Garey's birthday. They finally decided they didn't want to do life without each other and started dating April 14, 2019.

April 2019- Finally Dating!

The Summer of 2019 was spent finishing sewing projects for 4-H, riding in a parade for the 4th of July in Canon, and their first trip to DBar together (Ali's favorite restaurant in Denver).

July 2019 

Garey was off to Baylor to study Aviation Sciences, and Ali went back for her sophomore year at MSU Denver studying Psychology. We video called whenever we could and would watch shows at the same time while on video calls.

Fall 2019

Ali went to visit Garey at Baylor and they spent the weekend exploring all things Waco with her parents.

September 2019

Ali made another trip to Texas, but this time, she toured UMHB in Belton to meet with the OT program about OT school. She fell in love with Belton, UMHB, and all of the staff who worked there. This was the start of her desire to move to Texas for school.

November 2019

Their first Holiday season dating! Garey got to meet Ali's grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. Ali went to Canon to spend time with Garey's family as well for Christmas.

December 2019

The world shut down for COVID, and Ali had a trip to Waco cancelled during Spring Break. Thus began the increasingly chaotic video calls! Garey stayed in Texas to continue his flight training and stayed at Baylor until Summer when his close friends, Haden, Caleb, and Lewis invited him to stay on their couch over the summer. Ali stayed in Broomfield and finished her spring semester online for MSU Denver.

Spring 2020

Ali followed God's calling and took the leap to move to Belton, TX in August 2020 to finish her undergrad degree in Psychology. This ended up being one of the best choices she ever made- she LOVED it!

August 2020

2 years in- still the best of friends and partners in crime!

April 2021

For Mishayla and Taylor's wedding day, Ali was the Maid of Honor, and Garey escorted Ali's mom down the aisle.

June 2021

Garey finally got to share flying with Ali when Haden came to Waco to complete his currency flight with Garey and let Ali come along. So cool!

January 2022

Ali graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Psychology May 2022. Of course, Garey was there to support her. As this point, she knew she would be attending UMHB in January for OT school.

May 2022

Garey was still working on his degree. He taught Ali how to rock climb at Baylor's gym. Since he had his belay certification, he got to be the one to hold the rope!

Fall 2022

Garey earned his Baylor grad ring and participated in the Ring Ceremony in December. Ali was thrilled to get to watch him be presented with the ring.

December 2022

When Ali's Toyota Sienna had a huge mechanical failure, Ali had to start the search for a new car. She ended up getting "His" and "Hers" cars with Garey, since they both loved his Golf so much!

February 2023

On December 4th, 2023, Ali found Francis running along the side of the road in Belton. She got out to see if he would come to her, and he was in the car before she could call him. Ali didn't think she could keep him, but after seeing how quickly they bonded, Garey helped her immensely and supported her decision to keep their little buddy. He's been an important part of their life since then.

December 2023

Garey graduated with honors with his Bachelor of Science in Aviation Sciences (Professional Pilot Concentration) with a minor in Leadership!

MANY Lego sets have been built over the course of their relationship. Not the least of these is the set to celebrate Annabelle and Francis, both of Ali's sweet dogs.

January 2024

They went to the Waco Dam to watch to Solar Eclipse, which was such a cool experience!

April 2024

Nate and Teah's wedding! Ali was a Bridesmaid and Garey was a Groomsman.

June 2024

On their 5 1/2 year anniversary, October 14th, 2019, Garey (and Francis) popped the most important question of their lives. Ali said "Yes!", and they were officially engaged!

October 14, 2019

Ali graduated with her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from UMHB!

May 2025

Ali found out she officially passed her NBCOT exam and was a licensed OTR! Ali was surprised, Garey was not (he knew she would pass). That same week, she started her dream job working in Pediatric OT in Waco.

August 2025

Garey and Ali have enjoyed building their life together since getting engaged, and are so excited for the next chapter!

Present

Photos

Mishayla is Ali's older sister. They have countless memories of laughing over the silliest inside jokes, having Just Dance battles, and driving to countless gymnastics practices. From playing the "bongos" on frozen yogurt containers, to singing their hearts out during car-ride karaoke, to spending countless hours doing Fall activities (Mishayla's favorite), they've done it all together. Mishayla has gotten to watch Ali's relationship grow from a friend she met in DC, to dating, to engaged, and now soon to be married. 

Mishayla Ness

Garey met Yanni during his first semester at Baylor. Yanni came along side him and taught him how to navigate college and helped him to become the person he is today. He quickly became the big brother Garey needed and was always there for him. Whether it was studying for a check ride, working on a class project, or just needing to get out of the house and get some good food, Yanni was there for him. Garey always knew he could rely on Yanni. No matter what, Yanni has always considered what was in Garey's best interests. Even after college, Yanni and Garey have continued to be the best of friends and he knows he will always be there for him. He may not be Garey's family by blood, but he is his brother. 

Yanni Driver

Caryn is Matt's wife, and quickly became one of Ali's closest friends. Caryn and Ali met when they were plus one's at Caleb and Jensen's wedding and spent the weekend killing time together while the boys were whisked away for groomsmen duties. Since then, their friendship quickly grew from acquaintances to someone who drove an hour away to pray over her before starting field work after OT school. Caryn understands Ali's medical struggles better than anyone else has because she's lived some very similar ones- but that's become part of what bonds them closer. 

Caryn Gearhart

Matt and his wife Caryn were placed in our lives by God to become some of our best friends and to mentor our relationship. When it came time for us to pick a spiritual guide to officiate our wedding, Ali and Garey both knew with no hesitation that we wanted it to be Matt after all of the prayers, bible studies, and adventures, it was an easy choice for us. 

Matthew Gearhart

Teah is Nate's wife, and Ali originally got to know her when she would visit Nate while Teah was at college out of state. They spent an entire day making balloon animals while Nate and Garey were in class, and they came home to a t-rex and an army of other balloon animals. Teah was a natural choice to be one of Ali's bridesmaids because she has always been there for Ali whenever she needs anything. 

Teah Byford

Nate and Garey were assigned roommates their freshman year and they have been best friends ever since. They quickly became inseparable to the point that both of their families view the other as a bonus son. For every success and every failure since they met, Nate has been there. He and his wife, Teah are some of our favorite people to double date with and there have been countless adventures. 

Nathen Byford

Scarleth and Ali were randomly assigned to be roommates at UMHB after her Senior year roommate moved out after the Fall semester. You would never know that was the case, though, because she remains one of Ali's closest friends from UMHB. She was always there for Ali to help study, to go get ice-cream, and for all of those late night college adventures that come with being unsupervised and in college (Thank you 24-hour McDonalds). There are few people better at keeping Ali grounded and bringing her back to reality than Scarleth, and she is so thankful to have her in her life.  

Scarleth Ordonez

There are very few people in this world that you can call at any time, even 3 AM, and they will answer ready to help and be there for whatever you need. Cameron is a 3 AM friend. It doesn't matter what is going on, Cam is always only a call away at anytime and is always there for us. Garey met Cam at the flight line back in 2022, and it wasn't long before they were very close friends. After countless adventures and even more memories, Cam is still one of Garey's best friends years later. 

Cameron Austin

Jess is Ali's best friend from high school, and they met Ali's Junior year on the gymnastics team. They had many after- practice shenanigans, which turned to at-home spa days, and coffee dates during college and beyond. Jess knew Ali was going to end up dating Garey before she did, and she has the photographic evidence in Christmas cookies to prove it. Jess has supported Ali no matter what throughout the years, and though they've lived in different states for much of that time, Jess still means so much to Ali because she's always there to listen. 

Jessica Thill-Tjornehoj

Every time there has been a struggle, or something has gone wrong, Denton has only ever asked, "What do you need?" It doesn't matter why, Denton has shown up every time that we have ever needed him. Denton is also one of the best and most fun people you could ever be around. Here's to many more memories, all of the hoopty adventures, and to never having a picture of the two of them together. 

Denton Halford

Jason is a very close friend of both Ali and Garey and has always been willing to help in any way that he can. Jason has been on countless adventures with both of then, and was roommates with Garey after Nate "abandoned" him to go be with his wife. Jason means so much to both of us, and has truly become "Uncle Jason" to Francis. He is always first in line to take care of our little guy whenever we can't. For this reason, Jason will be assisting Francis with all of the needs of a ring bearer that lacks thumbs.

Jason Sybert

The most simple way to explain Francis- sent to us by God. Ali was driving to work one day when she saw Francis on the side of the road and stopped to help him. He immediately hopped into her car and has been our sweet little boy ever since; at this point, it's hard to say who saved who. He is the best dog that we could have ever asked for. When Garey decided to ask Ali to marry him, it was Francis that started the proposal, running up to her with balloons tied to his collar and a little jacket on that said "Dad has a question." He is our little buddy, our best friend, and absolutely a member of our family and we are so glad he gets to be a part of our wedding. 

Francis

We think Kai broke the record for fastest person to become one of Garey's closest friends. Kai came into Garey's life and there are few people that he has made that many good memories that quickly with. From riding around the state of Texas seeing if we can get lost, to range days, showing up to the airport at 5AM, to just sitting at home enjoying our time together, Kai and Garey have really had great times. 

Kai Bigham

Caleb and Garey met when he got to Baylor, where he became a mentor and more importantly, a buddy,  When freshman year ended, and Garey was looking for a place to stay, Caleb and the rest of the FBO opened up their home to him and accepted him as a member of their household. Caleb has always been that friend for that Garey knows will be honest with him and has his best interests at heart. Caleb is always willing to listen, talk, and help whenever Garey asks. 

Caleb Gober

Haden and Garey also met during his first semester, and he has got to be one of the kindest people that we have ever met with a true heart of gold. As another member of the FBO, he welcomed Garey into his home when he was looking for a place to stay, and even after he moved out, Haden has always made him feel welcome no matter where we were, or how far apart we may live now. 

Haden Calvert

Lewis found Garey during his first day on campus struggling to figure out where he needed to be and what he needed to be doing. He came along side Garey and helped him figure it out. He has never stopped their entire time as friends. He has been there countless times for Garey whether it was someone to study with for several nights leading up to a check ride, or just someone to spend some time with and decompress and play some games with. He was even the one that introduced Garey to the rest of the FBO, and is the reason he has some of his favorite memories of all time. 

Lewis Clements

Wedding Party

Call and tell them that you are with the Lillard Huppert wedding to reserve your room

Garey & Ali

Garey & Ali

Travel

Best Western Plus Emory at Lake Fork Inn & Suites