Alex and Macie met during the Summer of 2017. They both worked in the Summer Work Program at College of the Ozarks at The Keeter Center. They found themselves hanging out as a group several times that summer. But they would have to fast-forward to August 2021 for the real story to begin.

In August 2021, Macie was sitting in the Nixa Citizens' Police Academy class listening to how the police department was desperately in need of officers when she thought back to some CofO friends who were in the criminal justice program and might be interested. Alex was one of them. So Macie texted Alex, caught up with him, and told him about the job opening. Alex had moved on from that field, and within the day, the conversation ended. But on October 1, 2021. Alex messaged Macie, asking to hang out.

Over the next year, Alex and Macie attended Young Adults at High Street Baptist Church together every week and typically got Bruams before or after church as well. Alex pursued Macie throughout that time, but Macie just wasn't ready. It wasn't until the fall of 2022 that Macie decided "You know, I'd be really sad if this guy wasn't around anymore." So, she invited Alex to hang out SEVERAL times within a two-week period...

Thankfully, Alex got the hint, and after going on "actual dates" for a few months, they began officially dating on January 29, 2023.

Alex decided he wanted to marry Macie early on, and planned to propose during horse camp in October, but after ordering and receiving the ring in July, he decided he couldn't wait, and planned for September, then re-planned for August. He and his friends, Evan and Becca, planned a whole weekend trip to Ava to ride horses at Glade Top.

The day of the engagement was raining, but Alex, Macie, Evan, Becca, and Rob rode horses to the top of a beautiful peak on Glade Top trail that overlooked miles and miles of rolling hills. It was drizzling, but misty fog rose out of the valleys and wildflowers dotted the ground. While Macie posed for a picture, Alex got down on one knee and popped the question. Lots of tears and jumping up and down followed. Of course, Macie said yes.

Next up: wedding time!

M&A