According to Pearce, the first time they met was in 2017 when he was a sophomore and Jill was a freshman at University of Dayton. He saw her at a party and knew he had to talk to her. He went up and introduced himself, to which she immediately replied, “No!” and turned away. However, over the next few months they would see each other again through mutual friends. Pearce continued trying anything to impress Jill to no avail, but they became good friends. Things were extremely easy and comfortable between them, and they had so much fun together. All the while, Pearce made it very apparent that he still wanted to be more than friends. One afternoon after doing what UD students do best on Saturdays, Pearce told Jill he was going to buy her a diamond ring one day. She laughed. He later proceeded to tell her he loved her at Buffalo Wild Wings bar, to which Jill replied “haha, you mean as friends, right?!”

But the more they hung out, the more Jill began to realize how big of a heart Pearce had, and how genuine and sweet he really was. Jill finally caved in the spring of 2018 and agreed to go on a “not a date” double-date to a hibachi restaurant, where she spilled all the soy sauce from her leftovers in the backseat of his beloved Camaro. That didn’t deter Pearce, and they went on their first solo date to Tropical Smoothie where they talked so long they did not realize the workers had closed the restaurant around them, and Jill completely missed her sorority chapter… whoops! From that moment on their connection was undeniable. They made it official on Jill's first visit to Michigan after meeting his friends and family. They dated all through college and had many visits back-and-forth from St. Louis and Michigan.

Following Jill's graduation, Pearce and Jill were so excited to finally live together in Canton, MI. However, over the next few months they were faced with major obstacles and health challenges that put their relationship to the test. But, by the true grace of God, they stuck together and made it through, both with newfound desires for growth, relationships with God, and commitment to one another. They started a new chapter, moving to Phoenix, AZ where they began building lives they truly love.

Less than two years later, they found out they were pregnant! They had always talked about starting a family together, so they were so excited (and admittedly a little scared) for this new little miracle. On May 7, 2023, they welcomed their beautiful Josie Katherine into the world. The love they shared for one another was multiplied one-hundred fold.

On December 16, 2023, Pearce finally took Jill up to her favorite spot, the Mongolian rim in Payson, AZ, to watch her favorite thing in the world… the sunset. As they stood at the edge of the rim overlooking the gorgeous views, Jill said out loud “it feels like God is watching!” He absolutely was as Pearce got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

They are so excited to take this next step to make their little family “official” and to celebrate with all the people they love so much! As you can see from the photos below, they have grown from college kids in puppy love, to the parents of a beautiful baby girl growing in life, faith, and love with one another.