This beautiful love story began in the fall of 2016, when Reed and Kaylee first crossed paths at a Friday night football game during high school. What started as a simple conversation soon blossomed into something special. Just a few months later, Reed asked Kaylee to be his girlfriend in the most unexpected way—at 2:00 AM, after a night of Black Friday shopping.

Not long after, Reed left for army basic training, and the distance between them grew. For four long months, their only form of communication was through heartfelt letters and short phone calls. Despite the challenges, their bond only grew stronger.

When Reed returned, they both headed to Northern Illinois University, where they pursued their dreams—Kaylee studying biology and Reed studying accounting. Two years into college, they decided to take the next step together and move into their first apartment were Kaylee talked Reed into adopting two cats.

As the years went by, Kaylee found her passion working at a veterinarian clinic and began studying for her animal nursing degree, while Reed started his career as an accountant, commuting to the city for a large firm. They built a life together, full of love, laughter, and shared adventures.

Then, on October 20, 2024, Reed proposed to Kaylee in the most perfect setting at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. After eight years of dating and growing together as high school sweethearts, they are thrilled to begin the next chapter of their love story as they prepare to marry on August 25, 2025.

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate this next adventure in their story!